SICILIA
[Against the backdrop of a dark screen, we hear the sounds of digging with a shovel, and then a collapse.]
1904
[A man lights a match in the darkness and brings it to a kerosene lamp, creating at least a little light in the kingdom of darkness. We see that the man is actually two - one holds the lamp while the other burns matches to increase the amount of light. They appear to be in some kind of mine. The man holding the lamp has dark skin and a hairstyle resembling an "afro." He is quite young - looks about 25 years old. The other man is shaved bald, but relatively long ago, so stubble is showing on his head. He is about the same age. Both men are wearing vests and pants made of thick, possibly linen fabric. They look dirty, worn out, and exhausted from hard work but maintain a cheerful spirit.]
GAETANO: We're down here too long Enzo, they'll notice we're gone. Come on.
TREMORI
[They both carefully move through the mine, looking around, afraid of causing another collapse.]
GAETANO: Alright. Let's grab it and get out of here.
ENZO: Look at this place. What if it's already buried?
GAETANO: Then we dig it out. There's no way I'm leaving without it.
ENZO: We can't be too long. Anyone sees us down here, we'll catch hell.
GAETANO: Who cares? One more tremor, we'll be buried here, too. This was the spot. Check under that rubble.
[Enzo slowly starts to clear the debris.]
GAETANO: Come on. Get it out.
ENZO: Here.
[He carefully takes out a box wrapped in a red scarf, containing money. They joyfully count it.]
GAETANO: We're nearly there.
[The box also contained a photograph, which GAETANO kisses, and a handmade toy with the inscription "Enzo." Apparently, the guys came to retrieve their savings.]
GAETANO: You taking that?
ENZO: No.
[He throws away the toy. Upon closer inspection, it's a clumsily carved wooden horse. They continue to slowly walk through the tunnels.]
GAETANO: What's with that stupid toy anyway?
ENZO: I've had it since I was brought here. My father left it with me.
GAETANO: How thoughtful of him.
ENZO: Hope it bring us out somewhere quiet. Don't want to be caught with that on you.
GAETANO: Just keep your head down and stay out of trouble. Think you can do that?
ENZO: Strùnzu (jerk)... I only get in trouble covering for you.
GAETANO: Will you speak to your father? When you get out?
ENZO: The bastard who sold me to this place to pay off his dents? If I saw him again, I'll kill him.
GAETANO: Nearly there. Come on.
NOTICE - MINE DECOMMISSIONED
NO ENTRY BEYOND THIS POINT
Due to increasing instability, as of the 12th of August, 1904, the lower tunnels of the South Mine will be permanently decommissioned.
All workers will be reassigned to a new area.
Full closure will be executed thereafter, by means of explosive.
Sig. Ruggero Spadaro
ENZO: Better keep that money hidden up there.
GAETANO: You think I'm going to flash it around? After all these years saving?
ENZO: Just be careful. People are desperate.
GAETANO: All this will behind us soon. Until then don't let any of these bastards get to you, alright?
[They come out to the miners.]
MINER: Where have you been?
GAETANO: What's it to you?
MINER: Sfacciato (cheeky). Il Merlo's around. See if you talk to him that way.
[They walk towards Il Merlo, overhearing conversations of other miners along the way.]
CARUSU: Si, signore.
MINER: Not much left here... They'll move us to the East Mine before long.
MINER: So be it. No use complaining, not if you want the work.
[They enter Il Merlo's "office" - a small nook in the mine where he is tormenting a poor soul sitting on the sand.]
IL MERLO: Move! On your feet. Get that up top.
MINER: Signore, my ankle. I can't.
IL MERLO: What?
MINER: Please, I can't.
[Il Merlo grabs him by the neck and pins him against a support beam.]
IL MERLO: There is no 'can't', not down here.
ENZO: I'll do it.
IL MERLO: Take him away.
[The poor soul, who can barely move, is led away.]
IL MERLO: I saw the veterinarian up with the horses, if he needs putting down.
[Il Merlo approaches Enzo, who has already started working and is hauling rocks. Il Merlo speaks quietly and very menacingly.]
IL MERLO: Stick your nose where it does not belong again, and you just might lose it.
[Enzo and Gaetano fill woven baskets with rocks and carry them through the tunnels.]
IL MERLO: (screams to the miners) Back to work! All of you!
GAETANO: Picking fights with II Merlo in front of everybody? Is that keeping your head down?
ENZO: Someone had to help him.
GAETANO: Anyone ever helped you? We're getting out of here, don't ruin things.
MINER: Late finish today, boys?
GAETANO: You know us. Always working hard.
MINE GUARD: Take that to the kiln. Now.
MINE GUARD: Baskets here.
[They carry the baskets out of the mine.]
GAETANO: Time to eat. You hungry?
ENZO: You have to ask?
ENZO: Good thing we moved the money. Any more tremors, it would be buried.
GAETANO: Like I told you. Having it out here's risky, but it's that or losing it all.
[They walk down a path from a small mountain towards the town. They pass many miners on the way.]
MINER: They should stop all work, close the mine. There could be more tremors any moment.
MINER: Spadaro can't afford to close it. Don't be surprised if they ask you.
GAETANO Bedda matri (Beautiful Mother!), look at that. That smoke... Doesn't look good.
ENZO: Think we should be worried?
GAETANO: Come on. Say a prayer to Santa Barbara if it'll make you feel better.
MINER: They still want us to hit our quotas? They're out of their minds?
MINER: You finished?
MINER: Nor even close. Shifts are getting longer. Every time I come up for air, they send me back down.
[Enzo passes by a small shrine and decides to pray.]
ENZO: Nel nom de Padre, Figlio e dello Spirito Santo. Protect us. Just a little longer.
GAETANO: You think she watching over us?
ENZO: We're still here, aren't we?
GAETANO: Can't argue with that.
[They notice that the food distribution tent is still open.]
GAETANO: Good. Ignazio hasn't packed up yet. Let's see what he has today.
[Enzo leans on the counter and casually asks.]
ENZO: Hey Ignazio, what do we have today?
IGNAZIO: You're too late.
GAETANO: Cchi minchia é?
IGNAZIO: Not my problem. Want to complain? Take it to Spadaro. Want to eat tomorrow? Get a watch.
[The guys leave hungry.]
GAETANO: You know what this means?
[They decide who will go on the "job" by playing rock-paper-scissors. Enzo loses.]
ENZO: Minchia!
GAETANO: Your turn, brother.
ENZO: Madone...
GAETANO: Head to the building at the back. They moved the food there after the rats got into it last week.
ENZO: So much for keeping our heads down.
GAETANO: Just don't get caught. I'll distract the guards if they're in your way. Good, delivery's here. Should make it easier for you.
[They crouch down and start sneaking across the territory.]
GAETANO: You sneak into the storeroom. I'll meet you on the other side. Alright, you know what to do. I'll be waiting around the back.
MINE GUARD: Romano, you done with your count? Delivery's here!
MINE GUARD: Almost.
MINE GUARD: Pick it up later. These crates need unloading.
MINE GUARD: Strùnzu...
[The guard leaves, allowing Enzo to proceed.]
MINE GUARD: You think Gino's skimming?
MINE GUARD: Not this again.
MINE GUARD: What?
MINE GUARD: You don't remember the last driver? What Spadaro did to him?
MINE GUARD: I was right, wasn't I?
STAKEHOLDER FRICTION
12th July 1904
TENSIONS ERUPT AT MINING GIANT
Tensions between Baron Raffaele Fontanella and Signor Girolamo Ludovici, principal shareholders of the Compagnia Mineraria del Mediterraneo Centrale, have unsettled investors. The mine, historically tied to the Fontanella family has become a source of conflict as the Baron resists Ludovici's aggressive plans to expand operations and modernize the business.
Labor concerns and the potential effects on the landscape raised by Fontanella were opposed by Ludovici, who pushed that reacting to dwindling global demand for Sicilian sulfur should be their priority.
At a recent shareholder meeting, heated exchanges overshadowed discussions on profitability, with fears that the feud could destabilize the company. Shareholders have expressed unease about the growing discord, which threatens to undermine confidence in the board's governance.
One investor commented that "progress must balance tradition and sustainability." The future of this enterprise now hinges on whether these two influential figures can reconcile their differences and chart a unified path forward.
MINE GUARD: With the volcano, the tremors... No one wants to work.
MINE GUARD: Wouldn't catch me down there. But hey, that's the job.
ENZO: Come on, Gaetano, where are you...
[Someone throws an empty bottle that shatters and attracts the guard's attention.]
MINE GUARD: Can't handle a simple task?
MINE GUARD: It wasn't me!
MINE GUARD: Horseshit. Spadaro'll be on my back about this. Clean it up!
ENZO: That'll do.
[Enzo enters a toolshed, but the next door is locked.]
ENZO: Locked. Of course. Could force it open....
[He pulls out a small knife stuck in a workbench and examines it. He uses the knife to pick the lock on the warehouse door.]
LETTER - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Compagnia Mineraria del Mediterraneo Centrale
16th July 1904
Dear Signor Spadaro,
We are writing to inform you that your recent request for new tools has been denied at this time.
While your argument that higher quality tools will increase productivity is sound, the cost of providing these tools across so large a site is not financially viable without increased profit in the short term.
Any further outlay on machinery should be considered contingent upon a sustained rise in output. We continue to recommend that opening new shafts and extending operational hours is the surest route to achieving this.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors Compagnia Minerana del Mediterraneo Centrale
DELIVERY INVOICE - POLICARODO SUPPLIES
Trading Invoice Policardo Supplies
7th of August, 1904
To be settled by Sig. Ruggero Spadaro, Minsera di Collezolfo, Collezolfo.
Bread - Skg _____ 2.5 lire
Fratelli Galante Canned Tuna - 20 units ___ 30.85 lire
Montalto Macaroni - 10kg ____ 7 lire
Fava Beans - 8kg ____ 5.44 lire
The extras, for the wolves, are tucked in tight with the bread.
Delivered by: Gino
ENZO: Ah, there it is.
[He notices Il Merlo passing by on the street.]
IL MERLO: They'll work, I'll make sure of it.
[Enzo, grabbing some bread from a crate, climbs out the window where his friend is already waiting.]
ENZO: Help me. Come on! That window's getting smaller.
GAETANO: Any luck?
[He happily gives him the bread.]
GAETANO: Let's get inside, eat this in peace.
[They walk along a dusty road and talk.]
ENZO: Minchia! What was the hold-up back there?
GAETANO: Had to take a piss. Bad timing, I know. Thought you were going to get caught when il Merlo turned up.
ENZO: Did you hear what they said? About the East Mine?
GAETANO: East Mine's nothing to do with us. We pay off our debts, no distractions, and we get out of here.
[They enter the camp.]
IGNAZIO: You look happy for two idiots who haven't eaten. What've you got to smile about?
GAETANO: None of your business. Go back to kissing Spadaro's ass.
IGNAZIO: Testa 'i minchia, watch your mouth!
NOTICE - EXTRA SHIFTS
NOTICE TO ALL WORKERS
Effective Immediately
To meet growing demand and compensate for lost time due to the recent tremors, an additional shift is to be added to each working day, paid at the regular rate.
Any workers picking up these shifts will be expected to clear debris in allocated shafts, alongside their usual responsibilities.
We urge all hardworking picuneri to consider this opportunity. Those unwilling to participate may find their seams offered to others more willing to seize the chance for work. Let us together secure a prosperous future for all.
By order of Sig. Ruggero Spadaro
[They enter their barracks, where besides our heroes, about a dozen other workers live. The furnishings are more than modest - straw beds on the floor, a few wooden crates, and a bucket for relieving oneself. The guys tiredly sit down on their straw beds.]
GAETANO: Few months left. Not long now.
[He takes out the postcard that was in the box. On the worn front is a picture of a city and the inscription "Empire Bay."]
GAETANO: Read this again for me, will you?
ENZO: "Dearest nephew, I hope this message reaches you in good health. I washed up again-in America and, this time, I've decided to stay." "Write to me, if you can. Better still, join me here. I'll buy you steak and eggs for breakfast. My fondest regards, Uncle Silvio".
GAETANO: La Merica! Steak and eggs! Once we're paid up, I'm on the first boat over.
ENZO: I'm going far away from this place Gaetano. Never coming back. Bastards would have to kill me first.
[Suddenly, two men burst into the barracks.]
IGNAZIO: All of you, out!
GAETANO: Ey! We're finished.
IGNAZIO: Not today. Double-shifts. Spadaro's orders.
GAETANO: Can you believe this?
IGNAZIO: Hurry up!
[All the workers exit the barracks. Gaetano reaches under his pillow and takes the savings.]
IL MERLO: You don't want to work. then clear the way for someone who does.
MINER: Nobody's working down there until it's checked out.
IL MERLO: Testa 'i minchia!
[A rough-looking man in an expensive green suit enters, pushing the dirty miners aside.]
DON SPADARO: Out of the way! Who is wasting my fucking time?
L'OMBRA: Wretches won't dig-
MINER: Don Spadaro. Federico's crew has not returned from the new deposit. Something's not right.
DON SPADARO: So sorry to hear that. I'll remember to say a prayer for them.
MINER: There have been tremors. Supports could've collapsed, gas could've leaked, anything.
DON SPADARO: We'll be sure to look into it. Now get back to work!
[On the last word, he raises his voice and makes a sweeping gesture with his hand. The miner bows his head in resignation and leaves. The Don approaches his subordinate, il Merlo.]
DON SPADARO: Send someone down there!
[Il Merlo immediately notices Enzo, who likes to do others' work, and theatrically reaches out his hands towards him.]
IL MERLO: Carusu! You like making yourself useful, don't you? I've got just the job.
[The guys have to go to a dangerous mine. And they didn't even get to eat.]
THE DEEP MINE
IL MERLO: New deposit's a long way down, so no messing around. Find Federico and his carusi, and be quick about it.
ENZO: But what if there's gas?
IL MERLO: Should be lanterns down there. If you find one, take it with you. He knows what to do.
GAETANO: I'll go first.
MINER: They're going to the deep tunnels.
MINER: God help them.
IL MERLO: Off you go. Don't come back until you've found them.
GAETANO: Grab a lantern. If it flares, there's gris, gas, understand?
ENZO: What do we do then?
GAETANO: What do you think? We get the fuck out of here. They never sent you testing for gas before?
ENZO: I've only heard stories about this mine. Do you know where you're going?
GAETANO: I don't know it like the others. We need to stay close. Minchia! Closed off. Need to look for a connecting tunnel. Federico! You down here? Hm. Nothing.
NEW DEPOSITS - EAST MINE
Closed the access point to the first seam. Tunnel unstable, not safe until we get more supports. Direct route caved in. Need more men to shift the rocks.
Opened a smail passage to the neighboring tunnel. Seam just beyond here.
Water
Sulfur deposit
ENZO: It opens up over here!
GAETANO: I'm right behind you. Be careful, alright?
ENZO: This way's caved in. Hey! Under here.
[They find tools but see no workers anywhere.]
GAETANO: Their tools....
ENZO: If they're not work where are they? It's so quiet. You think something happened to them?
GAETANO: This is the deepest mine here, biggest too they're lost somewhere, we might never hear them.
[Enzo finds empty water containers.]
ENZO: Water's gone. Either they drank it all, or it dried up.
GAETANO: Working down here without water? Bedda matri... Only way forward is down there.
ENZO: Let's go. They could be in trouble.
[Enzo wants to carefully descend but slides down. His friend follows him.]
ENZO: Agh! Hey! Federico?
GAETANO: Shit. Where are they?
CATARINA'S LETTER
Federico, amuri miu
You work so hard for us, but we miss you terribly. All Nino does is ask where you are. Once you have saved enough money to come home, you must promise never to leave us again.
We will find you another job, something closer. Away from the mountain.
My father knows of a blacksmith who would consider you. We can discuss when you return. Counting down the days until I can hold you again.
Love, Catarina
[They find a corpse.]
ENZO: Cristo!
GAETANO: Gas? Maybe it's cleared, for now? We need to get out of here! We tell the men. They'll come pick them up when it's safe.
[But then an earthquake starts.]
GAETANO: Get down!
[However, the guys don't sustain significant injuries... but then their lamp flares up brighter and a hissing sound is heard from afar...]
GAETANO: Merda!
ENZO: Run!
[The guys run for their lives. Gas explosions occur here and there around them.]
GAETANO: Go! Now!
ENZO: We should war the others!
GAETANO: We will, when we're out! Keep running!
[They run, escaping the explosions and collapses.]
ENZO: Merda! No! Damn it!
GAETANO: Down here, come on!
[Enzo's leg gets pinned by a rock...]
ENZO: Get me out of here! I can't move!
GAETANO: Grab my hand!
[He helps his friend get out, and they continue running.]
GAETANO: Gas! We need to get out of here!
[As they run across a wooden bridge, it gives way under Enzo, who was second, and he falls onto the lower levels of the mine.]
ENZO: Agh!
[But Gaetano has already run to him and helps him climb up.]
GAETANO: Over here! Hurry! This way. Come on!
ENZO: Nearly there! Come on!
GAETANO: Go! Keep running!
ENZO: I see the way out! Hurry!
[Almost out of the mine, Gaetano checks his pockets and realizes he lost the money somewhere in the frantic rush...]
GAETANO: Minchia! The money!
ENZO: Forget it! We need to go!
[The money turns out to be dropped nearby, behind a narrow passage they just came through. In a hurry, Gaetano reaches for the money.]
ENZO: Forget it! We need to go! Gaetano!
GAETANO: I see it!
ENZO: Let's go!
GAETANO: I have it!
[However, part of the passage collapses.]
ENZO: No!
[He barely makes it out of the mine - Gaetano is beyond help. Emerging, Enzo sees that some miners have survived but are no longer on their feet. Il Merlo is yelling at the others as usual.]
IL MERLO: If you can walk, you can carry. Get all of this shifted.
L'OMBRA: These shafts need to be open.
[Enzo approaches them and, in a fit of anger and grief, screams at his boss.]
ENZO: Ey! You! You did this. You sent us down there!
IL MERLO: Mountain does as she will, boy.
L'OMBRA: Just get them back to work.
ENZO: Figgh'i buttana!
[In response, Enzo receives a sharp, powerful blow to the face and falls onto the sand.]
IL MERLO: Hold your tongue carusu if you want to keep it.
[However, Enzo gets up and pulls out that very knife from his pocket.]
IL MERLO: If that's what you want.
[He also pulls out a knife, and a fight begins.]
ENZO: Gaetano's dead because of you!
IL MERLO: Accidents happen. Don't do something you'll regret, carusu. Come on then, finish what you've started. Or are you scared?
ENZO: Bastaddu!
IL MERLO: You little fucking rat!
ENZO: You won't touch me.
IL MERLO: You see, boy? This is grown man's business.
ENZO: Sicominchia! You'll pay for what you did!
L'OMBRA: You fuckin up now, boy!
IL MERLO: Enough games! You wanted to fight, so fight like a man.
[He grabs both of Enzo's hands.]
IL MERLO: Lot of fight in you over a pile of bones.
[He throws Enzo onto the sand and gets distracted by a cracking sound coming from the canopy they are under. Enzo uses this opportunity, grabs the knife, and strikes, cutting il Merlo's cheek just below his left eye. He screams like a little girl, as if seeing his own blood for the first time.]
IL MERLO: Ahhh! Ahh! Figgh'i buttana!
[He moves to kill Enzo, but the canopy breaks, giving Enzo a chance to escape. He jumps and slides down a gentle slope. They start shooting at him, clearly intending to kill him on the spot. But Enzo escapes.]
L'OMBRA: Stop that carusu della minchia!
[Enzo mounts a horse that happened to run by.]
MINE GUARD: He has a horse! Get after him!
IL MERLO: Don't let him get away! You hear me?!
[However, Enzo manages to escape from the mining town. He rides as far as he can, and at this moment, we see the game's title sequence as if watching a TV series. Against the backdrop of beautiful shots, the names of the voice actors appear.]
Riccardo Frascari
as Enzo
Johnny Santiago
as Don Torrisi
Carina Conti
as Isabella
Christian Antidormi
as Cesare
Alberto Frezza
as Luca
Lane Townsend
as Don Spadaro
Anthony Skordi
as Tino
Tony Amendola
Mark Whitten
Carlo Rota
Davi Santos
Mateo d' Amato
Monique Hafen Adams
Gabriel Burrafato
Piotr Michael
Raphael Corkhill
Giancarlo Sabogal
ENZO: Merda...
IL MERLO: Find him!
IGNAZIO: It's locked.
MINE GUARD: Here. Around back.
[They enter the barn where Enzo is hiding!]
MINE GUARD: I'll look inside. You go around, make sure he doesn't slip out the back. Where is the little rat? When we find you, Il Merlo will slice you from ear to ear. I know you're in there, boy! Come out!
[Sneaking up unnoticed, Enzo strangles the guard with his bare hands, then gets out of the barn.]
IL MERLO: Make this quick. Spadaro will be waiting for us to clean up that fucking mess back there.
MINE GUARD: Shouldn't take long to find the boy. Only so many places the little bastard could be.
IL MERLO: The fuck is taking so long? Find this pezzu di merda!
MINE GUARD: We're going to be out here all fucking night.
IL MERLO: Keep looking...
[Enzo meanwhile moves from cover to cover, strangling guards.]
MINE GUARD: Could have left the horse and kept running.
MINE GUARD: Would you? No, he's here somewhere. He's thirsty, hungry. Sooner or later, he'll have to come out.
IL MERLO: If he gets away, it's on you cazzuni.
MINE GUARD: He's not back there.
IL MERLO: Minchiuni! The boy's outsmarted you? Search again!
[Enzo notices il Merlo standing by the door and also tries to kill him by sneaking up, but il Merlo quickly notices him and, with a strike from his shotgun against the door, knocks him to the ground, then comes out with the shotgun.]
IL MERLO: No more running. I'm going to make you wish you died in that rubble.
[A shot is suddenly heard. A stately middle-aged man approaches, surrounded by several armed men.]
DON TORRISI: What are you doing here, Damiano? Answer me.
IGNAZIO: Don Torrisi, this carusu-
[He immediately gets hit in the face with a rifle butt by one of the Don's men.]
DON TORRISI: I asked you a question.
IL MERLO: The boy owes a debt. We tracked him, in the dark... Must've crossed over. We mean no disrespect... We'll take him and be on our way.
DON TORRISI: The boy goes nowhere with you.
IL MERLO: Until the debt is paid, he belongs to us.
[The Don gets very close to il Merlo.]
DON TORRISI: On my land, you own nothing. You tell your boss the boy is under my protection. And if our truce is dishonored again, I will repay that offense (pushes il Merlo) tenfold. Now leave.
[Il Merlo and his men leave.]
LUCA: We'd risk war with the Spadaros, over a kid?
DON TORRISI: The greater risk would be allowing our enemies to overstep without consequence. Can you work?
ENZO: Yes.
DON TORRISI: Then you bring him back, Luca.
[The Don leaves. Luca helps Enzo to his feet.]
LUCA: Did you do that? To his face? Don Torrisi doesn't take kindly to trespassers. Lucky for you, he takes even less kindly to the Spadaro clan. You have a name?
ENZO: Enzo.
[They go outside.]
LUCA: Alright Enzo, let's go. Is that your horse, or theirs?
ENZO: I stole it.
LUCA: A thief and a trespasser. Poor thing's not in good shape. Almost as bad as you. You rode all the way from Collezolfo?
ENZO: Yes.
[They mount horses and ride towards the Don's villa.]
LUCA: Quite the journey with armed men at your back. What happened at the mine?
ENZO: There was a collapse. People died, not sure how many.
LUCA: Where were you headed?
ENZO: Anywhere.
LUCA: No family?
ENZO: No.
LUCA: We can find you somewhere to stay, Enzo, but you will be expected to work. A place to rest your head doesn't come for free.
ENZO: Whatever it is, I can do it. Is that where we're going?
LUCA: A little different to Collezolfo, no? Don Toms looks after all of this land. Takes good care of it. See those vines in the fields? Eventually, the grapes will become Torrisi wine. That's the family business. More or less.
ENZO: Don Torrisi lives there?
LUCA: Along with his family. He started with nothing, just like you and me. He's worked for everything he has.
ENZO: It's beautiful.
LUCA: I suppose it is.
[They ride onto the villa grounds.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Any trouble, Luca?
LUCA: It was nothing. Just a surprise visit. Damiano Bastoni.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Il Merlo? What was he thinking?
LUCA: He wasn't. The Don straightened him out.
GUIDO: Who's your friend?
LUCA: Enzo. New pair of hands. Stables are this way. Gaspare will look after your horse while you're here. Ciao. Gaspare. Now, you need to get some rest. I'll show you where you can stay.
ENZO: Thank you.
LUCA: Don't thank me yet. Workers drift through, some stay for a season. We let them bunk up in the old casena. I'll leave you here alone, but don't go poking around or you'll find yourself in trouble. Room's just in here. Doesn't get used much. But there's a bed, somewhere to put your things.
ENZO: This is... This is good.
[The room isn't much different from the barracks - the same straw bed, but it's a separate room and his alone. And there's also a bathtub and a workbench!]
LUCA: Good might be a stretch, but it's yours for now. You get some rest. I'll be back later to talk about work.
[Enzo decides to sleep a little. After a while, a young guy, about 30 years old, comes to him.]
CESARE: Susiti.
[Cesare kicks the bucket for special needs.]
CESARE: Susiti!
[Enzo jumps up from the straw bed and pulls out his knife.]
CESARE: That how you mine boys say "hello"?
ENZO: Who are you?
CESARE: Someone who belongs here. Well, not here. Out there. You, though, you look right at home in a pig pen. I'm Cesare. My uncle runs this place.
ENZO: Where's Luca?
CESARE: Busy. Told me you wanted to make yourself useful. Don't worry about that. They'll smell you before they see you. But change out of those rags, will you? I'll wait outside.
[Enzo puts the knife away. He realizes he did something stupid.]
ENZO: Testa 'i minchia...
[Enzo changes into normal clothes - a white shirt, suspender pants, and sharp-toed boots.]
HARVEST INSTRUCTIONS
1. Pick only ripe grapes — dark and full. Leave green ones.
2. Use care — no snapping or tearing the vines.
3. Fill baskets full. No gaps, no waste.
4. Bring baskets to the press quickly. No delays.
5. Keep count of your baskets using notches or stones.
6. Work fast. Dalight fades quickly. Mistakes mean less pay. Work well!
[He goes out to Cesare, who is waiting for him.]
CESARE: It'll take more than some new clothes to make you fit in here. This way, carusu, we've got a delivery to load. My uncle's hosting a big meal later tonight. Do the work, maybe you'll get to eat.
ENZO: Understood.
[They approach the iron grate blocking access to the cellar.]
CESARE: Wine’s stored down here. Don’t even think about helping yourself. I know a thief when I smell one.
[They enter a dark basement devoid of any lighting. Several barrels stand against the walls, and there's an assortment of various utensils.]
CESARE: See those crates on the table? Load them onto the cart outside.
ENZO: These ones?
CESARE: Do you see any others? And be careful. One broken bottle and Luca will have your balls.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE
Saturday - Wine Deliveries
7 a.m. - Osteria della Zagara - 2 crates
8-30 a.m. - Signor Schifano, Nino Agavi - 1 crate
10 a.m. - Porto Almaro - Bar Calfé Ginevre - 5 crates
11 a.m. - Porto Almaro Station - 5 crates to be shipped to Palermo
[Enzo picks up a crate of bottles. The bottles clink ominously, hinting at the danger of carrying them.]
CESARE: This way.
ENZO: You not taking any?
CESARE: What I'm doing is none of your concern.
[They exit the cellar and approach a cart.]
CESARE: Put the crate in the back, mine boy.
CART DRIVER: So you found a use for him. Maybe he's not so bad after all.
CESARE: You want to be friends with the Collezolfo runts now?
[A well-dressed man approaches them.]
VALERIO: Have you moved those crates yet?
CESARE: Valerio, I'm just doing it now.
VALERIO: Looks a lot like you are sitting on your ass. Who's that?
CESARE: The carusu.
VALERIO: Hm. Keep him out of my workshop.
[Enzo goes into the cellar and gets another crate of wine.]
CESARE: You got it? That's my uncle's finest.
ENZO: This is nothing. You should try carrying a basket of sulfur or your back.
CESARE: I'll take your word for it.
VALENTINA: Is this another one of those layabouts from town? Where's he going with all that wine?
CESARE: What do you think of me? This is the farmhand your husband found hiding in the cattle sheds.
VALENTINA: Well he at least appears to be working. Come over when you are done, I need some help.
[Enzo brings in the last crate of wine.]
CART DRIVER: We nearly done here? I need to get on the road if we want to be back in time.
CESARE: This should be the last of it.
[After loading the last crate, Enzo approaches Cesare and the cart driver.]
ENZO: All done.
CART DRIVER: See. He didn't drop a thing. You owe fifty lire. Is my package from the Don in there?
CESARE: Minchia. It's inside, I'll get it. Make yourself useful while I'm gone. See what Valentine wants.
[He leaves, and Enzo goes to Valentina, who is working nearby.]
ENZO: Signura, do you need help?
VALENTINA: Has Cesare abandoned you already?
ENZO: Something came up.
VALENTINA: It's Enzo, isn't it? Luca told me all about you. How you fled the mine. Things are different here. We treat each other with respect. Except Cesare, but that boy is a law unto himself.
ENZO: I understand.
VALENTINA: Don Torrisi's a fair man, but he likes things done a certain way, and you do not want to find yourself on the end of his temper.
ENZO: Thanks for the warning.
VALENTINA: If you're ready to help... I need you to carry something to the kitchen for me. A pig freshly butchered for dinner.
ENZO: Pig? Uh, certo.
VALENTINA: I show you where it is. This way. We don't have meals like this very often, so it's important everything goes to plan.
[They approach a small warehouse holding many different things - from rabbits hung by their feet to paintings.]
VALENTINA: It’s just there, on that table.
A GIFT FROM GULOTTA
Don Torrisi,
Thank you for the kindness you showed my family. We will never forget it, for as long as we live. You are a good man. To properly express thanks for your generosity, please accept this pig, a Nero dei Nebrodi, as a token for your daughter’s name day. It is the biggest, healthiest I have had the pleasure of rearing, and it will surely satisfy your guests.
Warmest regards,
Signor Gulotta
[Enzo picks up half a pig carcass, puts it on his shoulder, and goes outside.]
VALENTINA: The kitchen's this way. While you are staying here, there are some rules you should follow. You can come into the house only when you are invited. Don't step a foot inside otherwise. You'll eat with the other workers at the end of the day, and you are expected to be clean and presentable. And keep to yourself. Don Torrisi is a very private man and he won't appreciate you sticking your nose into his affairs.
ENZO: I will.
VALENTINA: Good. Follow these rules and stay out of trouble... You should do just fine.
WORKER: There's enough food here to feed the whole valley.
WORKER: It's too much. Never had anything like this for my name day.
[They enter the kitchen.]
VALENTINA: Cosa inutili! Thought I'd find you here.
CESARE: What? Just checking up on the food for later. This needs a little more salt, I think
VALENTINA: Dio mio...
VALENTINA'S PORK SPEZZATINO
Ingredients:
- Pork, cut into small pieces
- 2/3 onions
- Butter
- Red wine
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 carrots
- Bone broth
- 4 cloves garlic
- Rosemary
- Tomatoes
- Peas
1. Cook the onions and carrots in olive oil
2. Add butter and garlic
3. Add the pork, turning every few minutes
4. Season
5. Add wine - generous pouring
6. Add tomatoes, bone broth and water if needed
7. Add potatoes
8. Season, leave to cook, covered for 5 hours
9. Stir in peas and leave on stove until cooked through
VALENTINA: Put it on the side over there, Enzo...
ENZO: If you need anything else.
VALENTINA: That's all for now. Be nice Cesare, he's had a hard time.
CESARE: I don't know what she's talking about. I'm always nice. In fact, I'm so nice, I'm going to give you the full tour. Next stop, the stables. You Rood with horses?
GUEST LIST
To prepare for Saturday’s guests:
Father Ciccone - Has a taste for the finer wines and always has a second helping. Make sure to offer when his plate is empty, or he'll get agitated.
Mayor Chiavetta - Enjoys grappa at the end of his meal. Seat him away from Tino.
Niccolo and Leone Galante no longer attending - Lemon cannoli not needed. Remember to give Don Torrisi his apologies. He has sent a gift for Isabella.
Raffaele and Gennaro Fontanella - The Baron can no longer attend due to business in Palermo. Remove Gennaro’s table setting beside Isabella and move everyone up.
Vincenzo Lorenzetti - An old friend of Don Torrisi. He is coarse, but must be treated well. He loses his manners when drunk, mind your skirts.
ENZO: I can ride.
CESARE: That's not going to help you much there. Luca said you led Damiano Bastoni right into our land.
ENZO: I was running. I didn't know about this place.
CESARE: It’s a long time since we heard from that dirty bastard. Maybe you are working for him?
ENZO: I would die before helping that sucaminchia. Trust me on that.
CESARE: Well, heard you roughed him up, so maybe you're right. Now, I have a very special job for you, carusu.
[He approaches the groom tending to a horse outside the stables.]
CESARE: Hey, Gaspare. Enzo's come to help out the stables.
GASPARE: You just made my day. There's a shovel inside.
ENZO: What will you do?
CESARE: I'll be outside, enjoying the fresh air. Find me when you'd done.
COSIMO'S CARE
Gaspare,
Cosimo is breathing heavily and snorts too much. Can't seem to make it far without him tiring.
Take good care of him, he must be well to ride in the palio.
To cure his chest, rub his throat with garlic and olive oil every morning.
If he becomes lethargic, soak his hay in wine. I will be back next week to check on him.
Arnaldo
[For a while, Enzo toils in the stable, shoveling horse shit. When he finishes, he sweeps the floor. A beautiful woman in a green headscarf with a basket of apples notices him.]
WOMAN: Who are you?
ENZO: Sono Enzo. I work here, for now.
WOMAN: You have not always been a stablehand.
ENZO: No.
WOMAN: Well, we do not always get to choose what we do.
ENZO: Suppose not. But we can choose who we are.
WOMAN: We can.
[She offers him an apple.]
ENZO: No, grazie.
[Then the woman takes a bite of the apple herself.]
WOMAN: See you around, Enzo.
[She leaves, and Enzo continues sweeping the floor. Finished, he exits the stable, hearing the voices of various people all over the villa.]
ROBERTO: So, did you speak to your uncle about what happened with Bastoni?
CESARE: He told me everything.
ENRICO: And?
CESARE: Wants me to keep it quiet. You know how it is.
ROBERTO: He didn't tell you anything, did he? Always with the bullshit, Cesare.
[Enzo approaches the groom.]
ENZO: There was a girl here. Did you see where she went?
GASPARE: Girl? Plenty of them working here. I didn't notice anyone.
ENZO: Never mind.
GASPARE: Thanks for helping in there, Enzo.
[Enzo goes to talk to Cesare, who is sitting nearby on the stairs to the house, talking with his friends. We just heard part of their conversation.]
CESARE: Don't you have work to do?
ENZO: I finished at the stables.
ENRICO: This the carusu?
CESARE: Can't you tell by the hair?
TINO: Cesare! Get off your backside and get yourself ready for dinner.
CESARE: We just finished working!
TINO: I don't care if you just finished pleasuring the blessed Madonna. Your uncle wants this thing started in an hour.
CESARE: You heard him carusu. Go back to your room and get cleaned up or you'll put everyone off their food.
[On the way, Enzo hears Enrico and Roberto talking by a car, smoking cigarettes.]
ROBERTO: Tino is in his usual sunny mood.
ENRICO: This thing with the Sparados must have really pissed him off.
ROBERTO: Ach, he's always like this. Old bastard need to drink more. Maybe he'll finally relax.
ENRICO: Tino never drinks. Says it softens the mind.
[Enzo approaches them.]
ENZO: Scusa. Who was that man?
ROBERTO: None of your business, carusu.
ENRICO: Eh kid's working here. Cesare's been showing him around. That was Tino. You keep out of his way, right?
ROBERTO: Just do what Cesare tells you and stop wandering.
ENZO: I will. Grazie.
ROBERTO: And kid, stop asking stupid questions around here.
[Enzo goes to wash up and tidy himself. Near his room, he finds the priest finishing a conversation with a woman.]
WORKER: I'm always happy to look after her.
FATHER CICCONE: Ciao. You're new to this place, aren't you, child? From the mine, I hear
ENZO: Yes.
FATHER CICCONE: Such a tragedy what happened. You've walked a difficult path for someone so young. Signor Torrisi is a generous man. I'm glad he's opened his arms to you.
ENZO: Thank you, Father.
VALENTINA: Smettila! Hands off! There'll be nothing left for everyone else.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Come on, we've been working hard.
VALENTINA: I said no. Vattene!
NOTE FROM FATHER CICCONE
Young Enzo,
Signora Trapani has informed me of your recent trials. You have endured great hardships, like many of the waifs and strays I have seen pass through this land.
Know that the Lord has a purpose for you. I believe he guided you to this vineyard to fulfil it.
I pray that you find peace and strength here. I hear confession at the chapel on the hill — my door is always open to you.
Your servant in Christ, Father Ciccone
[After washing up, Enzo comes to the party. He is timid and shy, not knowing how to behave in such a situation. He notices the Don talking with guests.]
DON TORRISI: Will you go and check?
VALENTINA: Bernardo... Sit.
[Enzo approaches the table where the servants are sitting.]
CLARISSA: Come, stay a while.
ENZO: Grazie.
[Clarissa offers Enzo a large bowl of food, and he, having received visual permission to eat, attacks it, greedily shoving spoonful after spoonful into his mouth. Luca approaches them and sits next to Enzo, holding a bottle of wine.]
LUCA: Clarissa, do you mind? Ah Enzo, I've seen dogs with more restraint. The Don butchers all the meat himself. I'll let him know you appreciate his work.
ENZO: I want to thank you, about before, about the job.
LUCA: It's that man you should thank. (he nods to the Don) If you want to show him some gratitude, work hard, and keep out of trouble. Come on, it's a celebration, drink.
[Enzo enjoys the wine offered by Luca - he clearly doesn't get to drink such things often.]
LUCA: Buono, eh?
ENZO: Che buono.
[He smiles but notices old man Tino smoking a pipe, and the smile fades from his face.]
LUCA: Ah, Tino, the heart and soul of every occasion. He's the Don's old friend and a kind of... advisor. You'll get to know these people. Who to go to for help, who you should keep an eye out for... Look and listen, that'll teach you all you need to know. Ah, finally. The guest of honor.
[A girl in a green dress approaches the Don's table. Enzo realizes he's seen her before.]
ENZO: Who is she?
DON TORRISI: Please, my friends, my family. Be upstanding in the celebration of my beautiful daughter Isabella on her name day.
[Everyone applauds.]
DON TORRISI: Salute!
[Everyone drinks. Isabella makes eye contact with Enzo, and he gives a slight nod, congratulating the birthday girl.]
LUCA: Hey, we still have work to do.
ENZO: Where are they going?
LUCA: There's a festa in San Celeste, happens every year. The main event's a cavalcata, a big horse race. Each town sends riders, it can get pretty heated. Have you ever been to anything like that?
ENZO: Never been to San Celeste. I know about the race though. I heard that the Collezolfo riders always win.
LUCA: The Spadaro team? (spits) Fitusi... If we make all our deliveries, you will see how much bullshit that is.
[They finish loading.]
LUCA: Alright, we're all set. You ready to learn a little about business? Give me a moment and we'll get on the road. Some of Don Galante associates will be by later with a delivery. Don't fall asleep in the sun.
[Enzo mounts a horse.]
ANGELO: As is I would.
LUCA: Andiamo. Let's get going!
OLD DRIVER: What?
[They ride along a dusty, sun-drenched road. To pass the time, they talk.]
LUCA I said, let's get going! Old man on the cart got a head like a sponge these days. He doesn't hear so well anymore. Loyal though, was here long before me. Eighty years old and still delivering Torrisi wine across the valley.
ENZO: The Don looks after him then?
LUCA: Don Torrisi takes care of everyone around here, Enzo. Watch and learn today.
ENZO: How long have you worked for Don Torrisi?
LUCA: Twenty years or thereabouts. I lose track.
ENZO: What brought you here?
LUCA: Well... my father farmed cattle up in the hills. Bandits, they came one night. Shot him dead. The Don... he helped me after that.
ENZO: I am sorry.
LUCA: You decided to stick around then? I wasn't sure you'd last.
ENZO: What do you mean?
LUCA: I figured you for heading to America. To make your fortune, like so many others.
ENZO: Everything I want is here.
LUCA: Oh? And what is it you want?
ENZO: To live how I choose.
LUCA: You are a hard worker, Enzo. A dependable pair of hands. That'll see you go far. Weather is perfect it should be a good race.
ENZO: The Collezolfo riders, I used to see them train. Always wondered why. They'll be hard to beat.
LUCA: Ach... We've got Arnaldo. He's won before, and he can win again.
ENZO: He's that good?
LUCA: The boy has God given talent. It'd take the devil's work to stop him from are winning today. First time in San Celeste then?
ENZO: On Sundays, they take us to boys by part to mass, in Collezolfo. That's the furthest I got from the mine.
LUCA: Well, you'll get to see the town today. Don Torrisi has dealings with many of the people there.
ENZO: Like delivering wine?
LUCA: Sure, wine amongst other things.
ENZO: Such as?
LUCA: Be careful with these questions, Enzo. The Don is in the business of favors. He helps those who have nobody to turn to who have something worth protecting. These people then respond with that gratitude and respect. His name carries weight around here.
ENZO: Seems like everyone is going to watch the race.
LUCA: It's a big deal for the people of this valley. The palio is a day of rest, of celebration.
ENZO: Not for us.
LUCA: For us, business comes fist. Always.
ENZO: I didn't mean to-
LUCA: Relax. I know. I'm just telling you that this is what separates us from the workers in the fields. Before we get into town, we have a delivery to make. The building ahead. Pull up! Over there!
OLD DRIVER: What?!
LUCA: Stop here!
OLD DRIVER: Yes, yes! I'm not deaf!!
LUCA: Malirittu...
ENZO: Who's the delivery for?
LUCA: Pasquale. Friend of the family, helps fix up machines, engines, whatever we send his way. And, well, he can get his hands on things you can't find elsewhere. Enzo, grab that crate on top would you?
[Enzo takes a crate of wine from the cart. Luca also takes a crate, and they walk towards the villa.]
LUCA: You head on! To San Celeste! And let's pray to God he makes it there in one piece. Enzo, follow me. Ah, here's our man.
[Pasquale is tinkering under the hood of a car. The sound of a ratchet wrench is heard. Seeing the guests, Pasquale gets distracted and hits his head on the hood.]
LUCA: *short sharp whistle*
PASQUALE: Strùnzu...
LUCA: Hey, Pasquale!
PASQUALE: Luca.
LUCA: Busy as always, I see, eh? Enzo, over on the table. How's your mother?
PASQUALE: Same as ever. She never gives me a minute. But I sense this isn't a social call. So...
LUCA: Fifty brass watches, from our friends in Acireale. They're yours, if Enzo here can take enough to buy a decent blade.
PASQUALE: I can do that. Is he the kid who marked Bastoni's face?
LUCA: That's him.
PASQUALE: Does he know he's fucked?
LUCA: He knows Il Merlo better than most I think. Enzo, take a look inside the crate.
[Enzo opens a crate of wine and finds more than just wine inside.]
LUCA: Go ahead, Enzo.
PASQUALE: Head downstairs. My mamma will fix you up, just watch what you say around her.
LUCA: So I take it you won!! be joining us at the palio?
PASQUALE: Apologies to the Don, but Cesare and the boys, they came round last night with a bottle of American whiskey. My head, it's still a little sore.
LUCA: I'll make your excuses.
PASQUALE: God only knows where he ended up. He left me at midnight to find some cunnu.
[Enzo meanwhile enters the basement where the workshop is located.]
ENZO: Buongiorno, signora, I'm looking for a knife.
BENEDETTA: Table, over there.
[Enzo approaches closer and sees strange metal symbols lying on the workbench.]
BENEDETTA: That is a trinacria, an ancient symbol of our land. They hold a special value. If you ever find one, bring it to me, yes? I'll pay good money for any that you discover.
THE SICILIAN TRINACRIA
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES IN THE VALLE DORATA, SICILY
Excavations across the Valle Dorata have uncovered numerous round tablets bearing the Trinacria symbol, closely linked to the ancient Greek settlement in the region. These tablets, particularly abundant near the Temple of Aphrodite, are believed to have been ceremonial offerings to the goddess of love and fertility.
The Trinacria — three bent legs radiating from a central Medusa head—symbolized Sicily's triangular shape and its three capes: Peloro, Passero, and Lilibeo. To the Greeks, it signified motion, unity, and protection, with Medusa warding off evil.
Interestingly, many of these tablets were repurposed over the centuries, incorporated into walls and buildings in later Roman and medieval periods. They remain a common find in ruins, attesting to their durable craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of Sicily’s ancient past.
[Enzo inspects the basement, lit by the light of a few dim burners. Various items for sale, as well as weapons, lie on different tables.]
BENEDETTA: Do they look like knives to you?
[Enzo sees a raccoon stuffed animal holding a tray.]
ENZO: What's this?
BENEDETTA: What does it look like? Cleared it out from a widower's villa. Amazing what those with more money than sense have in their homes.
[Enzo chooses a knife for himself from three options.]
ENZO: I'll take this one. Grazie, signora.
BENEDETTA: Don't cut yourself on the sharp end.
[Enzo goes outside and plays with the knife.]
LUCA: Feel the weight, get used to it. Knowing that blade could save your life.
ENZO: I've won a knife fight before.
LUCA: You survived a knife fight. You want to get through another, you'd do well to learn the old ways.
ENZO: But you told me to keep out of trouble.
LUCA: You don't look for it. But trouble has a way of finding people like us.
[He picks up a lying broken saber, of which only the hilt remains.]
LUCA: When that happens, you stand your ground. Never shrink back. Whatever they start, you finish. They come for you, for the people you care about, you put them down. U capisti? Now, let me show you a thing or two.
ENZO: With that?
LUCA: Come on. First, let me see your swing. Try to land a hit on me. Good! Again. Concentrate. That's it! Show me what you know, Enzo.
[The training ends.]
LUCA: Good, so you can handle the basics. Now you need to learn when to back off. When to let your attacker slip up. I'm going to attack. You need to wait for the right moment, then parry. Then, you press your advantage. Got it?
ENZO: I'm ready.
PASQUALE: Don't go easy on him, Luca. He needs to learn.
LUCA: Sometimes, your opponent's swing will be too strong to parry. If they commit like this, throw them off-barance. Wait for the right moment, and dodge out all the way. That's it! Good!
[The training ends.]
LUCA: Let's switch it up. I'm going to guard. Come at me with everything you've got. Try to break it.
ENZO: You asked for it.
LUCA: You call that a slash? You'll hurt no one like that! Try again! With more power!
ENZO: Minchia...
LUCA: Come on! Again, do it again.
ENZO: Like that?
LUCA: That's it. Good!
ENZO: Again?
LUCA: Again! Come on.
PASQUALE: That's all you've got, carusu?
LUCA: Good, but what next? You're getting better. How's the blade feel?
ENZO: The weight, it feels good.
[They continue training in a free-form manner.]
LUCA: Damn it! Good! You might not be fucked after all. You'll tire yourself out like this. Damn, good work.
[In the end, Luca easily parries the strike, showing he was only pretending for training purposes.]
LUCA: You think anybody will take it easy on you out there? Huh? Don't take it too hard. I've had a lot of practice. You have some fight in you, Enzo. Use your brain alongside it, and you'll go further than most.
[He hears the sound of a bell ringing in the distance.]
LUCA: Minchia... We're late. Come on. Amunì, the race is starting soon! We better go. Pasquale - Enzo is with us now. Help him out if he comes around.
PASQUALE: My door is always open.
LUCA: Pasquale will trade you for anything, just watch out for his bullshit.
[They mount their horses.]
LUCA: We'll have to be quick if you want to watch the race. Andiamo!
[They gallop along dusty roads.]
WORKER: Watch out!
WORKER: Idiota!
WORKER: Once a year! Hurry up.
LUCA: You ride well. I thought I was fast, but you can really handle a horse.
ENZO: Well, you know what they say. Riding is a young man's game.
LUCA: Older men are too busy for games. Looks like we made it in time.
Remember, Spadaro and his men will be around. Watch your mouth and don't draw attention to yourself. We can leave our horses here.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Ciao, Luca. Comu stai?
LUCA: Bene, bene. Is Don Torrisi here?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He's in his tent. A word of warning though, it sounds like he's in a foul mood.
[Luca and Enzo dismount.]
LUCA: Enzo, let's go. We should make ourselves known to the Don. Feel free to take a look around. I'll meet you at Don Torrisi's tent at the end up there.
TOWNSMAN: I bet safer this year. Arnaldo. My wife wouldn't forgive me, after last year.
TOWNSMAN: Safe? You bet with the Galantes. They'll bleed you dry, no matter the odds.
ROBERTO: I wanted to thank you, Don Galante, for the American whiskey. My cousin, he sold all twelve bottles already.
DON GALANTE: Ah, bene, I told him it's the best, didn't I?
BOOKMAKER: Alright. I'm giving odds on all outcomes! Arnaldo Di Matteo, the favorite, followed by Gianni Bontante, the new Collezolfo rider.
RACING ODDS
PALIO OF SAN CELESTE
Sunday, September 10th 1904
Riders from across the valley will honor Our Lady of Sorrows with tradition and devotion. Victory awaits!
THE TEAMS AND THEIR RIDERS
The Black Bulls Arnaldo Di Matteo (5/6)
The Golden Cannons Gianni Bonafante (3/1)
Ignazio Tessari (9/1)
Piero Alberione (4/1)
The Crimson Stags Mattia Gaslini (7/1)
Silvestro Ficatellti (4/1)
The Blue Doradas Sante DeRocco (7/1)
Ugolino Papini (12/1)
Sponsored by Sig. Bernado Torrisi, of Torrisi Wine.
TOWNSMAN: I'll take ten lire on Arnaldo!
BOOKMAKER: Ten lire! Place your bet with my associate here.
TOWNSMAN: Forty on Bonfante.
BOOKMAKER: Franco you know what to do. Who's next?
TOWNSMAN: I'll take thirty, with Don Torrisi's man!
BOOKMAKER: A wise choice. Any more takers?
TOWN CRIER: Signore a signori, the race will begin shortly!
[Enzo approaches to listen to a story an elderly man is telling from a stage.]
CANTASTORIA: With my heart and my voice, I shall tell you the tale of a bandit prince, a hero born of the hills. As a boy, he saw the suffering of his people, crushed under the weight of greedy lords. Taxes, taxes, and more taxes, draining life from the land. But when our hero came of age, he took up the bow and donned a mask, ready to deliver justice. Season after season, he lived in the shadows, liberating ill-gotten wealth and returning it to the people. Word of his deeds spread like a prairie fire and the people clamored to sing his name. But the lords of the land cursed, reviled, and despised him. For he held up to them a mirror and they hated what they saw. Guardie, trackers, private detectives. Thugs, hunters, and insurance collectives. Not one could-capture the bandit prince. What hope did the lords have in such a place? He roamed the bills-freely-plaguing their minds until, one by one, the lords fled. And on that blessed day, the people rejoiced. But new lords have arrived. Different names, different clothes but with the same old demand, so whispers of the bandit prince sweep the land. Will we see his like again? Well, that is up to the lords, my friends. Ladies and gentlemen, here ends our tale. Thank you. Grazie! Grazie mille.
[Finally, Enzo approaches the Don's tent. Suddenly, an unfriendly voice is heard from inside.]
TINO: Get out! You're a disgrace!
[A young guy stumbles out of the tent.]
ARNALDO: Oh dio, non di nuovo...
[Enzo enters the tent with Luca.]
TINO: Where have you been?
LUCA: On deliveries. What's the problem?
TINO: It's Arnaldo. He's in no state to ride. He's in no state to stand up. Cesare, the imbecille, took our rider as his new drinking partner. I found them still in the whorehouse an hour ago.
DON TORRISI: What can we do? I will not forfeit this race.
ENZO: I can ride, Don Torrisi.
[Enzo carries himself confidently and calmly. Isabella turns to look at the bold guy.]
TINO: Luca, why is this farmhand here?
DON TORRISI: Can he ride?
LUCA: Outran the Spadaros, didn't he?
DON TORRISI: Alright...
[Luca prompts the Don with our young guy's name.]
LUCA: Enzo.
[The Don steps close to Enzo, hinting that the matter is serious.]
DON TORRISI: ...Enzo. There'll be a lot of people watching. You'll ride for San Celeste, but you'll represent our business, and my reputation. Can you do that?
ENZO: (with a short smile) Sì.
DON TORRISI: We have a rider. Get him ready.
[Enzo moves to exit the tent, but Luca stops him.]
LUCA: You want to twist the knife on the Spadaros? Now's your chance.
[Enzo exits the tent. Isabella is clearly impressed by his boldness. The race begins.]
TOWN CRIER: Riders, take your positions! Two laps! Around San Celeste! Al posti! Pronti! Via!
[Enzo starts the race in last place and for a long time trails at the back...]
WORKER: Let's go, San Celeste!
WORKER: Come on, Collezolfo!
WORKER: Go! Push harder!
PALIO RIDER: Annàchuti!
GALANTE RIDER: Strùnzu will fill this!
PALIO RIDER: Let’s go!
PALIO RIDER: Amunì!
ENZO: Whoa!
PALIO RIDER: Faster!
ENZO: Just one lap to go… we've got this. We can do this! Harder! Andiamo!
PALIO RIDER: Yah!
PALIO RIDER: Move it!
PALIO RIDER: Go! Now!
PALIO RIDER: Go to hell!
[...but towards the end of the race, having gotten the hang of it, he quickly overtakes one horse after another. The last rider proves to be a tough nut to crack and even overtakes Enzo closer to the finish, but he still wins by a full horse length! Everyone applauds the champion.]
TOWNSMAN: Hey, Enzo, well done, well done... Incredible!
TOWNSMAN: Hey, Enzo, great job! Bravo!
ENZO: Grazie.
LUCA: The Don asked, can he ride? You should see the smile on his face now. Bravo, Enzo.
[He hugs him.]
IGNAZIO: Move!
L'OMBRA: Out of the way!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Better luck next year, boys!
VALERIO: Spadaro cugghiuna! Forza San Celeste!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Hey, that's right!
[The Don comes out to give a speech. Il Merlo notices this and, upset by the loss, leaves with his men.]
DON TORRISI: For fifty years I've attended this race. First as a boy, then as a rider, and now as a proud patron. And as you all know, nothing makes me happier than a victory for my hometown! Traditions, like ours, are what keeps San Celeste strong. Now, let's all celebrate together and please, a hand for our winning rider! Forza San Celeste! Enjoy!
[A large cake is brought out, and everyone starts eating, cheerfully discussing the race. Enzo stands aside and smiles. Tino approaches him to dampen the joy of victory a little.]
TINO: Quite a race. In all the excitement, I almost forgot why you are here. Deliver these, with the Don's compliments.
[He hands him a crate of wine and slaps his cheek, as if telling him not to get arrogant and remember his place.]
[Enzo approaches the house where the wine needs to be delivered.]
ENZO: Piazza Garibaldi, quarantaquattro... Should be around somewhere.
[Someone touches his shoulder... It's Isabella.]
ENZO: What... What are you doing down here?
ISABELLA: I needed a walk. It's already getting out of hand back there.
ENZO: Va bene... Andiamo.
ISABELLA: So, where's our first stop?
ENZO: It's number eight, signorina. Just up ahead.
ISABELLA: You can call me Isabella, Enzo.
ENZO: Sì, signorina. I mean, Isabella.
ISABELLA: You've caused quite a stir. A runaway to a champion rider, just like that.
ENZO: Your father showed me a kindness. I help where I can.
ISABELLA: Well you certainly showed that today. My father can't stand to lose face. Just hope he appreciates what you did for him. Here we are. Number eight.
[Since Enzo's hands are full, he asks Isabella to knock on the door.]
ENZO: Could you...?
ISABELLA: What would you do without me?
ENZO: You don't need to stay, you know. This kind of work, it's beneath you.
ISABELLA: Oh, it is? I'll decide how I spend my time. Besides, you might not be such bad company.
CUSTOMER: Yes, can I help you? Signorina Torrisi. What a pleasant surprise. Is... your father here?
ISABELLA: Unfortunately it's just me. He's celebrating his win at the palio.
CUSTOMER: I see. Well, please pass on my apologies for missing our appointment last week. I meant no disrespect. I was called away, on urgent business.
ISABELLA: I'm sure my father understands.
ENZO: Please, take a bottle.
CUSTOMER: I thank you both. And the Don, of course.
ISABELLA: Done? Bene, on to the next one.
ENZO: Who was he?
ISABELLA: I have no idea.
ENZO: He seemed to know you.
ISABELLA: They know me because they want to know my father. Everybody in San Celeste wants to be Don Torrisi's friend. I have a thousand uncles.
ENZO: That must be strange. To be part of something like that. I've never had a family.
ISABELLA: Nor have I, not for a long time anyway. Where's your next stop?
ENZO: It says... Via Nino Agavi.
ISABELLA: But that's on the other side of town. Tino really has it in for you.
ENZO: I get the feeling he can't wait for me to leave.
ISABELLA: That's just Tino. Don't take it personally. But are you... Going to leave, I mean?
ENZO: I don't plan to. Not while there's a bed for me. Work to do.
ISABELLA: Then I pray Luca keeps you busy.
ENZO: I hope so. I can be happy here, I think.
ISABELLA: I think you could be right. It's just down here. One moment. I need to do something quickly.
[They approach a small drinking fountain with three heads.]
ENZO: What's that?
ISABELLA: I used to come here, with my mother.
ENZO: She's not around anymore?
ISABELLA: No. She isn't.
ENZO: I'm sorry.
ISABELLA: This fountain, it's said to be blessed. You pray here, and life will bring you fortune. So, did you want to say a prayer?
ENZO: You should say one for me.
ISABELLA: Why of course. Ave Maria, look down upon us today with the warmth of your heart. As you have cared for mamma up above, show us too, below, the kindness. of your spirit and guide us towards happiness.
ENZO: Do you ever get what you ask for?
ISABELLA: Every now and again. Right, let's go. It's a long way to Nino Agavi.
ENZO: Lead the way.
ISABELLA: This square, up ahead, is my favorite place in San Celeste. It has beautiful views, of the mountain and the valley. It's quiet, too. You can be alone here, even though you're surrounded by houses and people.
[They pass through a steel gate and suddenly run into three of Enzo's acquaintances from his time working in the mine.]
ENZO: Minchia... Spadaros.
L'OMBRA: Hey, carusu! Or is it 'delivery boy' now? You're really coming up in the world. Even got yourself a little buttana.
ISABELLA: Testa 'i minchia!
ENZO: Calma! Calma!
[L'ombra pulls out a knife.]
L'OMBRA: Il Merlo misses you. I think I'll give him a little piece.
ISABELLA: Enzo!
[Enzo throws a crate of wine at L'ombra.]
ENZO: Get back!
[He pulls out his knife, ready to defend his life, and possibly Isabella's life.]
ENZO: You threaten women now?
L'OMBRA: Just saying hello, carusu.
ENZO: Spadaros, all the same.
L'OMBRA: Fuck her I'm here for you... You'll wish you died at the mine when I'm through. Big mistake racing for Torrisi against us.
[Parrying the strike as Luca taught him, Enzo grabs the thug in a hold.]
ENZO: You shouldn't have come here.
L'OMBRA: Testa 'i minchia!
ENZO: You'll regret coming after me!
ISABELLA: Enzo!! Bastaadi!
L'OMBRA: Should have never crossed me or my brother!
ENZO: You and your brother are nothing!
L'OMBRA: Damiano will be happy to see you, when I drag you back to the mine. You die here, carusu! Can't dodge me forever.
ENZO: These strùnzi are next once finish with you.
[He wins, pins the thug on the cobbled street, and raises his hand to kill him, but then Luca intervenes.]
LUCA: Hey!
IGNAZIO: Shit!
LUCA: Leave.
L'OMBRA: This isn't over, carusu.
LUCA: Figgh'i buttana! Get the fuck out of here.
[The mine bandits leave, taking the wounded L'ombra with them. Isabella, understanding what will happen to Enzo for fighting, stands up for him.]
ISABELLA: Enzo was standing up for me.
LUCA: Yes? Good. Things can get out of hand on race day. Get back.
[Isabella walks towards the gates.]
LUCA: Isabella... Not a word of this to your father.
[When Isabella leaves, Luca turns to Enzo.]
LUCA: They touch her?
ENZO: Of course not.
LUCA: You're brave, Enzo. What you did was right. But being seen alone with Isabella is stupid. Anyone else other than me comes around that corner, the Spadaros wouldn't be your only problem.
ENZO: Luca we were just-
[Luca sharply cuts him off.]
LUCA: You listen to me. Carefully. The Don is very protective of his daughter. People see things, normal things, they make up stories in their heads. Don't let that happen. This stays between me and you, u capisti?
ENZO: Sì.
LUCA: Alright, let's go.
ENZO: Thank you for protecting me in San Celeste. I hope I didn't get you in trouble.
ALFIO: Ey, carusu! Luca's looking for you, out by the stables.
ENZO: Tell him I'll.... I'll be over soon.
ALFIO: Why don't you send him a little note? (chickles)
[When he leaves, Enzo takes out the letter again. In his head, he reads it in Isabella's voice.]
ISABELLA: You're curious, Enzo. Meet me in the garden, if you want to talk again. Don't worry, I won't tell.
[Enzo goes to meet Isabella, on the way meeting a priest who is scolding a little boy, about six years old.]
WORKER: And what's that? To be a pain in the neck?
WORKER: I see you walking well enough when you're done for the day, straight to the bar.
[Enzo enters a small, blooming nook behind the gates, where Isabella is already waiting for him. Barefoot, she is sitting in a tree and when Enzo gets closer, she jumps down onto the grass.]
ISABELLA: I was not sure you could read.
ENZO: You took the chance?
ISABELLA: I did.
ENZO: Why did you write to me?
ISABELLA: Why did you come?
ENZO: I wanted to say I'm sorry, about the fight. It should never have happened.
ISABELLA: Are you alright?
[She wants to get closer, but Enzo pulls back, understanding the consequences.]
ENZO: Sì, sì. It's just...
ISABELLA: What is it?
ENZO: Maybe it's not a good idea, us meeting like that, like this. People might talk.
ISABELLA: And what would they say?
[Isabella is not very pleased with Enzo's behavior, perhaps his cowardice.]
ENZO: I have to be careful and work hard. Your father is who he is.
ISABELLA: And who are you Enzo? Does my father already control your life?
[Looking at Enzo's face, she realizes she said too much.]
ISABELLA: I'm sorry...
[Suddenly, old man Tino appears!]
TINO: Hey! What are you doing here?
ENZO: Looking for Luca.
TINO: And is he here? Sneaking around where you don't belong will be the last thing you do. U capisti?
[He turns to Isabella, playing with his smoking pipe, which he never lets out of his hands.]
TINO: Your father is looking for you. And you're not a paesana, dragged up outside. Put on your shoes.
[They leave, and Enzo goes to meet Luca at the stables. On the way, he meets old acquaintances.]
ANGELO: At this rate we'll be hunting into the night.
ROBERTO: You invite Achille, this is what you get. The man never wakes up before noon.
VALERIO: Ah, carusu. Ciao.
ENZO: Ciao. What are the guns for?
ANGELO: None of your business, mine boy.
VALERIO: We're going hunting. Making the most of this weather. Maybe you'll get out today, too. Heard Luca mention something about that.
ENZO: Maybe. He wanted to see me. I better not keep him waiting. Have a good hunt.
[Enzo approaches the stable.]
GASPARE: Ciao, Enzo! Luca's looking for you. He's in the stable.
ENZO: Grazie, Gaspare.
[He enters the dark stable. Voices are heard from afar.]
CESARE: No, the redhead. The one with the big...
LUCA: Romina? You know her father's a lawyer?
CESARE: So? There's no law against fucking.
LUCA: No, I mean she's smart. She'll run a mile as soon as you open your mouth.
CESARE: Minchiuni...
LUCA: Oh! The finest horseman in all of Sicily.
CESARE: This is who we are waiting for? Bedda Matri. We're riding out with the shit shovelers now?
LUCA: Enzo stepping up saved your uncle's pride and you from a serious beating. He earned himself a change of scenery. If he wants it?
[Cesare picks up a revolver lying on a stool and plays with it, spinning the cylinder.]
ENZO: Where are you going?
LUCA: Don Torrisi looks out for people around here, makes sure they're protected from... misfortune. That security comes with a price of course, so we're going to collect what we are owed.
ENZO: So what do you need me for?
LUCA: Well sometimes, a client is feeling less than cooperative, and we need to...
CESARE: ...teach them a lesson.
LUCA: Remind them of their obligations. An extra pair of hands helps jog their memory. But don't worry, you keep your eyes open and listen.
CESARE: Besides, what else you got to do? Come on, time is money.
LUCA: Listen to this uccazzaru, barking orders. Andiamo.
[They exit the stable onto the street. Enzo follows them. All three mount horses and set off.]
LUCA: We have a few people to visit today, all down in the valley.
CESARE: It's a lot of riding around. Your nag better be up to it, mine boy.
ENZO: Don't worry, he'll be fine. Do you make these visits often?
LUCA: Often enough. Don Torrisi likes us to call in on his clients every now and then.
CESARE: Every fucking week.
ENZO: Alright. I'm round for whatever you need. Just tell me what to do.
LUCA: You hear that Cesare? That's what a work ethic sounds like.
CESARE: Ever had to get physical with anyone, carusu? Must have gotten rough, down in the pit.
ENZO: I held my own.
CESARE: There's more than lonely miners to fend off out here. You think you bar step up?
LUCA: Stop acting tough Cesare, it doesn't suit your.
CESARE: He's unproven. This men's work.
LUCA: Oh yeah? Then I should have left you at home.
ENZO: Who do you protect people from? For this money?
LUCA: There are thieves and bandits all through the hills. They prey on everybody. The law, the guardie, they don't help.
CESARE: They're just as bad as the bandits.
LUCA: Life is tough out here, Enzo. And so, people turn to the Don when they are in need. He just ask something in return. To dip his beak, you might say.
CESARE: A little taste here and there. That's all.
LUCA: We've got to make a quick stop up ahead. There's an olive farmer we need to see.
ENZO: This is our first collection?
LUCA: That's right, but this should be straightforward. The farmer, he rents land from Don Torrisi. He makes good money. Always pays on time. Just watch and learn.
[They ride up to a villa.]
LUCA: Here we are. This won't take a minute.
VILLAGER: Signor Trapani. It's good to see you.
LUCA: Salutamu.
VILLAGER: Please, I'll mind the horses. My father is in his yard.
LUCA: Grazie.
VILLAGER: Marco, Signor Trapani is here to see you!
PUBLIC WARNING
ATTENZIONE!
Bandit activity is on the rise in our community.
Just recently, Signor Dolfini’s plough was stolen and Signor Nivolli was robbed at gunpoint.
Please ensure you lock away all valuables before turning in each evening. Minimize travel at night, especially alone.
Stay vigilant. Look out for your neighbors. Report anything suspicious to the consiglio comunale, who will inform the guardie.
CESARE: You'd think the King of Italy was visiting...
LUCA: Sta’ mutu. These are the Don's tenants, they give us no trouble. You should appreciate things being simple.
MARCO: Gianluca, a pleasure as always.
LUCA: Marco. I trust you're well?
MARCO: I'm old, everything hurts, and my son prefers the bottle to the rake. But who can complain?
LUCA: You need to shake some sense into him. A man your age shouldn't work like you do. Aside from the aches and pains, how's business?
MARCO: Olives grow and we make money. Speaking of which...
LUCA: And no trouble?
MARCO: Who would bother us? This is the Don's land.
LUCA: Well, you know where I am.
MARCO: Of course. Please give my regards to Don Torrisi.
LUCA: I will. Cesare, Enzo. Let's go. We have more stops to make.
[They mount their horses again and set off.]
ENZO: As you said. Easy.
LUCA: Marco has rented land from the Don for many years. We provide protection, for his family and his livelihood. So yes, there's trust there.
ENZO: They respect you.
CESARE: Don't flatter him. It's the Don they respect. And his land they're leeching off.
LUCA: They understand our business. They pay for a service, and in return sleep easy at night.
CESARE: I've been thinking, we should use a car for collections.
LUCA: There's nothing wrong with horses.
CESARE: Farmers ride horses. A car shows we mean business, that we're a cut above.
LUCA: You want to take a car down these tracks? You won't make much of an impression getting towed out of a ditch.
CESARE: You know your problem? Always expecting the worst. I'd drive these collections in half the time, and have you back in time for lunch and a little nap with Valentina.
LUCA: It's not about speed. Cesare We don't need the attention. Next stop's going to be a farm. They produce lemons. The owner's late on his payments.
CESARE: Finally, we get to have a little fun.
LUCA: Follow my lead. Both of you. It shouldn't be too much trouble.
[They cross a small stone bridge and approach another villa.]
ENZO: They look worried.
LUCA: They know why we're here.
CESARE: When you do business, people look the other way if they know what's good to them.
[They dismount.]
ENZO: So we head inside?
CESARE: That's the idea, carusu. You first.
LUCA: Wait a minute. The farmer here... He has a son. In front of him, he's too proud to give up what he owes right away. But he always pays. So, I give him a little back and forth.
CESARE: This again?
ENZO: So, what do we do?
LUCA: We let him act tough in front of the boy.
[He pulls out a pistol and waves it around.]
CESARE: And then we remind him of his obligations.
[Luca pulls out a pistol and hands it to Enzo.]
LUCA: Yours is unloaded. You give him a chance to be brave. Then, you let him see it. That's it.
[Enzo takes the pistol, still unsure what is expected of him.]
LUCA: Let's get this done.
[They enter the house with pistols in hand.]
LUCA: Signor Affini!
SIGNOR AFFINI: Signor Trapani. What a pleasant surprise.
LUCA: Come now, I think we both know that this is no surprise. But we can make it pleasant, I hope.
FARMER'S SON: What is this, father?
SIGNOR AFFINI: Quiet. I have no need of Don Torrisi's services today, but please take all the fruit you can carry as a token of my respect.
LUCA: That's very kind. Perhaps you can send those up to the estate. But I am here for the money you owe. As we have discussed before, the Don is always working on your behalf.
[Affinni raises his voice slightly.]
SIGNOR AFFINI: And as I have mentioned before, I have no need for protection.
LUCA: Adversity can strike when you least expect it. I strongly advise you pay what you owe.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Thank you for your concern, but I can handle my own affairs.
LUCA: Very well. Then I will leave you in the hands of my friend here. Enzo...?
[Enzo pulls the unloaded pistol from its holster and points it at Affini. The father and son are clearly frightened.]
SIGNOR AFFINI: You're going to shoot me? Over a hundred lire?
ENZO: I hope I don't have to.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Think about what you're doing here.
FARMER'S SON: Just pay them, papa!
LUCA: Your son is smart, you must be very proud.
CESARE: See how the boy likes it, carusu.
[Enzo points the pistol at the farmer's son.]
SIGNOR AFFINI: You want to point that at someone, point it at me!
CESARE: The hero!
LUCA: Pay what you owe and nobody gets hurt.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Alright, alright. There's money in the back room. Give me a minute to fetch it.
LUCA: Don't go to any trouble. Enzo will get it.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Fine. You get it then.
[Enzo goes into an adjacent room, resembling a kitchen.]
ENZO: There's a safe back here.
CESARE: So open it.
ENZO: It's locked.
LUCA: The combination, what is it?
SIGNOR AFFINI: I don't know. I can't remember.
OUTGOING PAYMENTS
July Outgoings
Shipping - 4.000 lire
Wages - 1.054 lire
Irrigation - 94 lire
Fertiliser - 76 lire
Security - 2.000 lire
Speak to Trapani - these costs are getting out of hand!
CESARE: Lla na mazzari! What do I need to do to jog your memory?
FARMER'S ROMANTIC POEM
Just like an orange, you glow
Perfectly formed
You're a clementine, sweet just so
Your skin, like velvet
The finest fruits
Do not compare to it
You excite like a lemon,
Sour? Tart? No!
You're nothing short of heaven
Mandarins may wilt
Cedars be unripe
But you, my love
You're just right
10-20-30
ENZO: I've got it.
LUCA: Now we are getting somewhere! Open her up!
APPEAL FOR INFORMATION
ATTENTION!
September 14, 1904
To the esteemed farmers and business owners of San Celeste and its environs.
As the newly appointed Commander of the San Celeste Corpo Reale Di Polizia, my foremost duty is to ensure the safety and prosperity of this community. The plague of banditry that has long afflicted our countryside must end. Your hard work and livelihoods deserve protection, and I am committed to delivering it.
However, I cannot accomplish this alone. Justice thrives on cooperation. I urge you to report crimes and share any information about those who threaten our peace. Rest assured, your identity will be safeguarded.
I understand that fear and mistrust have silenced many. Yet, silence only empowers the lawless. Together, we can root out those who exploit our traditions for personal gain. Let this be a new chapter for the Valle Dorata, one of order, security, and trust. My office is always open to you.
With determination and respect,
Major Ettore D'Amico
Commander of the Corpo Reale Di Polizia San Celeste
CESARE: What do you need a safe for, anyway? You got a big lemon you are saving for the village fair? What are you looking at? You think I'm not serious?
SIGNOR AFFINI: Nobody's looking at you!
CESARE: Well I'm looking at you.
LUCA: Hey, shut up. All of you. Giving you. Giving me a headache.
[Using the found combination, Enzo opens the safe.]
ENZO: I've got the money.
LUCA: Are we happy?
SIGNOR AFFINI: You got what you came for, now get out of here.
LUCA: So good to see you, as always. And thanks again, for the fruit.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Please don't choke on it.
[Our bandits exit the house and mount their horses.]
CESARE: I know what you're going to say. We got the money, didn't we? I didn't shoot anybody.
LUCA: This time. Control yourself. When I apply pressure, it has a purpose. When you get loud, it's emotional. Learn the difference.
CESARE: Whatever you say. So, carusu, you still prefer this to life in the mine?
LUCA: What kind of a question is that?
ENZO: If you'd spent a day underground, you wouldn't ask.
CESARE: Don't be so dramatic it's no easy thing out here, either.
LUCA: Enough, Cesare. Our next stop is the quarry. The owner took a loan from the Don to finance his latest venture, but we haven't heard anything since.
ENZO: So, same as last time?
LUCA: Let's wait and see. The owner usually pays on time. Something is not right.
CESARE: About that red head... Gabriela, was it?
LUCA: Lla na mazzari! Not this again.
CESARE: Hey, how am I going to meet a girl to marry if I don't try a few out? What about you, carusu? You getting any?
ENZO: No.
CESARE: I heard that pig that was butchered for Isabella's name day has a sister.
LUCA: You handled yourself well back there at the farm, Enzo. In our line of work you have to know when to push and when to pull.
ENZO: Would we have taken it further?
LUCA: The trick is to skim the cream without breaking the bottle. Violence is only ever last resort.
CESARE: Ach, it's really not that complicated. Knock knock. Crack heads. Take the money.
LUCA: And that's why Cesare's uncle doesn't let him out on his own.
[They ride up to a quarry.]
CESARE: Ach, what's all this?
WORKER: Quarry's closed, signori.
CESARE: Not to us it isn't.
LUCA: We're with Don Torrisi. Out of the way.
[The quarry workers have gathered in a crowd near the entrance.]
CESARE: Lazy bastaddi are just standing around. Shouldn't they be hitting rocks or something?
LUCA: Let's find the owner and get to the bottom of this.
[They dismount and approach the foreman's house. A worker is standing by the door.]
WORKER: We can wait out here all day!
LUCA: Stand aside. I need to speak with your boss.
WORKER: No boss of mine in there.
CESARE: Alright then. How about you get out of the way before I put a pick through your skull?
WORKER: Be my guest. Saves me breaking this door down. You ask that deadbeat where our money is.
LUCA: Signor Banaglio, open up.
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: Who is it?
LUCA: Luca Trapani.
[The door opens, and the bandits enter.]
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: My apologies for all the commotion. As you can see, matters have gotten out of hand.
LUCA: What's going on out there?
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: I took on some men from Collezolfo. Damned socialistas. They are on strike, if you can believe that.
LUCA: You know Don Torrisi takes a dim view on strikes. What is their complaint?
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: A deal fell through. I don't get paid, they don't get paid. It's as simple as that.
LUCA: We'll stamp this out before it takes hold. Who is the ringleader?
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: A stone cutter called Manuele. Big guy, loudmouth. You can't miss him.
LUCA: Good to know. Enzo, let's go.
MANUELE: That sucaminchia hides away like a fucking coward. And wants us to break our backs? Well, if he doesn't get his hand in his pocket, he's going to get my foot in his ass.
[The bandits move closer.]
MANUELE: What is this now?
LUCA: Manuele, isn't it?
MANUELE: Do I know you?
LUCA: No, but I know your employer and he's a friend of my boss. Don Torrisi.
MANUELE: Good for him.
LUCA: We can't have strikes around here, Manuele. You and your friends need to get back to work. This is bad for everyone, bad for business.
MANUELE: Fuck your business.
LUCA: There's no need to cause a scene. Just get back to work.
MANUELE: You going to make me?
[Enzo pulls out his knife.]
LUCA: It seems that my friend is going to take it from here.
MANUELE: If that's how you want it.
[A knife fight begins.]
MANUELE: Not too late to put away your blade, and leave with those two.
ENZO: Where's that big mouth now, huh?
MANUELE: You little bastard.
CESARE: If your man's as tough as he says, he'll hold his own. Stay back if you know what's good for you.
MANUELE: Sucaminchia! Shit!
[Enzo wins and knocks Manuele unconscious with a blow to the face.]
LUCA: Anyone else? No?
CESARE: Quit standing around!
LUCA: Get back to work! Your little revolution is over. Pay the troublemakers what they are owed then get rid of them.
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: Please send my regards to Don Torrisi.
CESARE: See you in a month.
[They mount their horses and ride away.]
CESARE: You're handy with a knife, mine boy. There might be hope for you yet.
ENZO: He was all talk. If he had any balls, he would have taken his money already. Those workers had a point. They were owed their pay.
LUCA: Right or not, we can't have labor unions on the Don's turf. We are in favor of free enterprise around here.
CESARE: Lazy idioti. Maybe they stopped complaining, they might earn decent money.
LUCA: Easy for you to say. What have you ever had to work for?
CESARE: I'm working now, aren't I?
LUCA: Is that what you call it?
ENZO: There were always union people around Collezolfo. Even protests, when I was small. But nothing got better.
LUCA: It never does. Back in the nineties, the Fosci Siciliani, unions were everywhere. The Don, Tino and me, we broke strikes. It was our specialty.
ENZO: Shame it has to come to that.
LUCA: The world is as it is. We keep order so people can work. That's good in its own way.
ENZO: I suppose so.
LUCA: See there that tower? We're coming into Port Almaro.
ENZO: I heard of it. It's a town on the sea.
LUCA: The Garante family operates here. They're friends of ours.
ENZO: Galante? Like the tuna?
LUCA: Sure, like the tuna.
CESARE: Don Galante runs the shore. He goes way back with my uncle.
LUCA: Good people to know.
[They ride into the city and dismount.]
LUCA: The Galantes run this port. They know everything that comes in, everything that goes out.
CESARE: Bottles from around the world come off the boats, straight into the bar. And the girls upstairs? Oof.
LUCA: They earn good money. And they rarely have to get their hands dirty, either. Remember, these are friends of ours. You hang back, I'll do the introductions.
[They approach closer. Don Galante is playing chess and is happy with a good move.]
DON GALANTE: Leone, Leone...
LUCA: You ever work around here? Or just sit around and play games?
DON GALANTE: Oh. Un momento.
LEO: Merda!
DON GALANTE: We aim to keep our minds sharp. At least I do.
[They shake hands.]
DON GALANTE: We aim to keep our minds sharp. At least I do.
LUCA: This is Enzo, he's been helping us out. He's a good kid, learns quick.
DON GALANTE: I hope he learns quicker than this one.
LUCA: Shall we?
DON GALANTE: Of course, inside.
[They enter a bar from which two young prostitutes are leaving; Cesare checks them out.]
LEO: Franco, for our friends here.
[The Don hands Luca a bag of money.]
DON GALANTE: I'm sorry to say it's a little light.
LUCA: Trouble?
LEO: The guardie has been... difficult, lately. More inspections. More eyes everywhere.
DON GALANTE: The new chief has brought in some of his own people... He got the foremen looking over their shoulders.
CESARE: So go remind them how things work.
LEO: Exactly.
LUCA: Anything we can lend a hand with?
DON GALANTE: The shortfall is due to a shipment that was taken into the customs warehouse before we got to it. Unexpected change of personnel.
LEO: We have a buyer.
LUCA: Sure, but do you have a plan?
LEO: Need you ask?
LUCA: You two, with Leo. Keep things quiet, alright?
CESARE: And what? You sit here scratching your balls?
LUCA: We have business to discuss.
CESARE: Come on, let's go.
DON GALANTE: Franco, Nero d'Avola. You'd think I'd asked him to stamp the grapes himself.
LUCA: Scopa?
[Enzo, Leo, and Cesare exit the bar.]
CESARE: Come on.
LEO: It was Enzo, right?
ENZO: That's right.
LEO: I'm Leo. Good to have you on board. Customs yard is this way! I saw you at the palio. You're quite a rider.
ENZO: Thanks.
CESARE: Leo should be thanking you. He was taking bets on the race. Nobody thought you'd win.
LEO: That's true. We cleaned up.
CESARE: What's the shipment anyway?
LEO: Premium whiskey, from our friends in America. It's worth a fortune.
CESARE: Then why did you let it get impounded. I thought you were the brains of this operation.
LEO: New police chief made a surprise visit, just as we were unloading. Bad timing.
ENZO: Isn't it risky, stealing from the guardie?
CESARE: We've robbed from this place more times than I can count.
LEO: The customs yard is where they send the officers who can't tie their bootlaces. Just keep your head and you'll be fine. Alright, same plan as always Cesare. I distract the guardie on the gate. You two go over the back wall.
CESARE: What are we looking for?
LEO: Whiskey. In boxes. Give me a signal when you find it. And keep it quiet in there.
CESARE: Come on follow me.
ENZO: Lead the way.
[Enzo follows Cesare around the guard post.]
CESARE: Minchia, I just bought these shoes.
CESARE: There, we can climb up. You keep that knife in your pocket. And don't raise the alarm, u capisti?
ENZO: I get it. We're just here for the whiskey.
[From a distance, Leo's voice is heard distracting the guard, noticing that Enzo and Cesare have approached the wall. Cesare helps Enzo climb over to the other side.]
LEO: Antonio! So good to see you.
GUARDIA: Leo. What do you want?
LEO: Does a man need a reason to visit a friend?
ENZO: Alright, I'm in. What about you?
CESARE: Just go find the whiskey.
ENZO: Cesare? Cesare? Minchiuni!
[He has to act alone. He hides behind crates because he sees two guards.]
GUARDIA: What?
GUARDIA: Whiskey, and not the cheap swill. Humphreys, straight from Empire Bay.
GUARDIA: No paperwork I take it?
GUARDIA: What do you think? The shipment is on a cart by the front gate. Maybe we liberate a bottle or two at the end of our shift, huh?
GUARDIA: "Liberate" a bottle. Who does he think he is?
[The guards separate, and Enzo knocks one out by sneaking up from behind.]
ENZO: Sleep tight, amico.
CUSTOMS OFFICE REPORT
Porto Almaro, September 28, 1904
Subject: Undocumented Alcohol
At approximately 02:30 this morning, during an inspection led by Major Ettore D'Amico, an undocumented shipment of American whiskey was discovered being unloaded from a fishing boat at the Porto Almaro docks.
Upon arrival, Officer Delgrosso observed the crew hastily abandoning the vessel, along with several unknown individuals. All suspects fled the scene and could not be apprehended despite an immediate search of the area.
The cargo, consisting of 20 crates of whiskey with no accompanying documentation, has been impounded and transferred to secure storage pending further investigation.
Updates will follow as the investigation continues. In addition, Maj. D'Amico has ordered a thorough review of dock procedures.
Signed,
Appuntato Antonio Franzoni
Customs Office Porto Almaro
[Enzo uses empty wine bottles to distract the guards.]
GUARDIA: Hey, enough sitting around!
GUARDIA: Relax, I'm just taking a break.
GUARDIA: We're behind two weeks on inspections and you're just "taking a break"?
GUARDIA: Ach, we'll catch up over winter, like we always do.
GUARDIA: You can tell that to the chief. Get to that American whiskey today. It's up by the front gate.
[Enzo searches one of the crates looking for whiskey.]
ENZO: This isn't it.
[...then another one.]
ENZO: Not here!
GUARDIA: Few more hours, then I'm out of here...
[Finally, the whiskey is found!]
ENZO: This is it, the whiskey. Now to get it out of here...
[He exits through a gate not far from the guard, whom Leo is distracting. Leo quickly notices this and starts sweet-talking him to prevent him from turning around. Cesare helps Enzo carry the crates.]
CUSTOMS OFFICER: I'm glad you enjoyed it, Leone, but I really must...
LEO: No!
CUSTOMS OFFICER: No?
LEO: It's not enough. You wouldn't turn down a kindness, would you?
CUSTOMS OFFICER: I am almost finished...
LEO: Bene. Shall we?
[Leo leads the guard away. Enzo struggles to carry the heavy crates. After a while, he brings a cart to Leo, who is waiting for him near Don Galante's bar, nervously smoking.]
LEO: He's enjoying some refreshment. Besides, his attention's on other things.
[The Don himself approaches and takes one of the whiskey bottles from a crate.]
DON GALANTE: Grazie. Thank you, gentlemen.
[He offers the guard a drink of the very whiskey he's supposed to be guarding. Having stayed until evening, it's time for our bandits to return home.]
LEO: Come. I'll get the goods shifted. You'll have the money tomorrow.
LUCA: Bring it when you can. The Don knows you're good for it. See you around, Leo. Let's go. We're not done yet.
LEO: Luca. Cesare. Good to meet you, Enzo.
[They mount their horses.]
LUCA: One more stop and we're done for the day.
CESARE: Grazie a Diu! I need a drink. Where is it?
LUCA: We're going to see old man Fichera. He's a stubborn bastard, but he pays on time. We should be home by sunset.
CESARE: Fichera? His place is a mile away. Let's just leave him till next week.
LUCA: He's on the book, so we see him today. No reason to hang around though, let's ride. How have you found today, Enzo?
ENZO: Yes, no problems is every day like this on collections?
LUCA: Only the good ones.
CESARE: After this collection, we'll visit the bordello?
LUCA: I'm married, idiota.
CESARE: Ach. Valentina can spare you a few more hours!
LUCA: Lia na mazzari!
CESARE: What about you, carusu? Though, you might need to wash first. These girls will put up with a lot, but they don't go to bed with livestock.
ENZO: Vafanculu (Fuck off), Cesare...
LUCA: Oh! That's the spirit.
ENZO: So, we do the same tomorrow?
CESARE: You so keen to work again?
LUCA: Not tomorrow, no. We did this every day, no one would have the money to pay us.
[They arrive at the farm.]
FARMER FICHERA: Ah, the vultures are finally here.
LUCA: Signor Fichera! Is something bothering you?
FARMER FICHERA: Yes, you could say that. Two nights ago, thieves came and stole my new water pump. Hundreds of lire, just thrown away.
LUCA: I'm sorry to hear that.
FARMER FICHERA: I pay you to protect my property, yet you do nothing. I believed Don Torrisi to be an honorable man, but it seems he is no better than these thieves.
CESARE: Hey, watch your mouth!
LUCA: Calma. Our friend here has a point.
CESARE: You can't be serious?
LUCA: Signor Fichera, do you know where the thieves went?
FARMER FICHERA: How should I know? Back to the hills. Messina's bunch if I had to guess.
LUCA: You might be right. We'll look into it.
[They mount their horses again.]
CESARE: What are you thinking, letting that old fool talk to you like that?
LUCA: Fichera is harmless, but he does have a big mouth. We solve this problem, people will hear about it. That helps our business.
CESARE: If this is about sending a message. I vote we beat him blind.
LUCA: Only grown ups get to vote, Cesare. Bandits, they camp up there in the hills, away from the roads.
CESARE: They're like rats, always hiding.
LUCA: They roam around from place to place. I lived up here when I was a boy. I know their haunts.
CESARE: Do you actually know where you are going?
LUCA: Sta' mutu. There's a clear trail here. Besides, these briganti are creatures of habit. I have an idea where they are.
CESARE: Whatever you say.
LUCA: Look here, this ruin. A good vantage spot on Fichera's farm. Let's try higher ground. Up ahead, I see smoke. Bastaddi are still there!
CESARE: Idiota. Now he's the rash one. Let's catch up to him before he gets himself killed. There he is, just ahead. Let's catch up on foot.
[They dismount and walk along a narrow mountain path to a small house.]
LUCA: What do you see?
CESARE: Shitty old farm.
CESARE: It's abandoned.
ENZO: The smoke?
LUCA: Someone's here. I'd wager just who we're looking for. Pistol.
[Enzo hands him his empty revolver. Luca loads a few bullets into it.]
LUCA: When they stole from old man Fichera, they put their hand in the Don's pocket. We can't have that. I'll be waiting back at Fichera's place. Make sure you clean up.
[He leaves. Enzo looks at the pistol for a minute, knowing he will soon have to shoot people.]
ENZO: You done this before?
CESARE: Yeah... Of course.
ENZO: I've got your back, Cesare.
CESARE: You'd better have.
[Sneaking quietly towards the house, they hear voices of thieves coming from inside.]
BANDIT: Haven't we earned a little action?
BANDIT: You'll still get your share. Besides, someone has to watch over the camp.
ENZO: How do we do this?
CESARE: You... You take the one on the right, by the well. I'll take the one on the left.
ENZO: Got it.
CESARE: You take the lead. We'll see if your shovelling days really are behind you.
[Enzo proves to be a good shot, and they quickly kill several thieves.]
CESARE: Nice work. You alright?
ENZO: Sì, si tutto bene. You?
CESARE: Fine. Let's check inside. That pump has to be around here somewhere. Hey, come take a look at this! They sure have a lot of guns.
ENZO: What are they doing with them?
CESARE: How do I know? Let's find that pump and get out of here. Now this is a serious rifle. Take it, let's see if you can handle something bigger than a pistol.
LIST OF TARGETS
D. Abbagnale - Dotes on his wife. Away on business often. Wife then left only with the house staff. Villa is rural. lsolated.
G. Fontanella - Palermo playboy. Leaves late at night to visit a brothel in Casalotto. Reckless, drives home drunk in Eckhart Dominion.
G. Ludovici - Rarely leaves his villa aside for meetings in Palermo. Lots of expensive deliveries made to his home. Spadaro provides security. Would need to cut him in.
L. Rebagliati - Son frequents gambling dens. Has an opium habit. Rebagliati’s unlikely to speak to the guardie given the son's activities. Good ransoming opportunity.
RANSOM NOTE - ROMINA
If you want to see your Romina returned safely to you, you will do exactly as I say.
Next Sunday, you will leave 30,000 lire in the hollow of a dead oak tree on the eastern road to Marina di Colledoro. Do this and the following morning Romina will be home again.
Should we not find the lire or find you reckless enough to tell the guardie, you will never see Romina again.
You understand who you are dealing with. That I am a man of my word.
Her fate is in your hands.
Messina
ENZO: This Paolo Messina guy, who is he?
CESARE: A notorious bandit. King of the dunghill. Bedda matri! Those thieving bastards have been busy. Might do some thieving of my own...
[Enzo finds a double-barreled shotgun.]
ENZO: Feels good. Heavy.
CESARE: As it should. That's a lot more firepower.
[Enzo finds a pump loaded onto a cart.]
ENZO: Cesare, over here! I found it.
CESARE: Let's get out of here then. Open up the gate.
[However, upon opening the gate, Enzo almost gets shot!]
ENZO: Shit!
CESARE: Watch out!
ENZO: How many are there?!
CESARE: Just fucking shoot, or we're dead! They're coming round the back! Keep holding them off out here.
[They manage to deal with the thieves who attacked.]
ENZO: Still breathing?
CESARE: Yeah, yeah. Just... give me a minute. The bodies. We need to get rid of them. I can't drag them all myself. Come on. You already shot the guy. You scared to pick him up? The dead can't hurt you. Grab him and let's go. I can't drag them all myself. Come on.
[After searching the pockets of all the dead thieves, Enzo starts dragging their corpses.]
ENZO: This wasn't how I thought I'd end my day.
CESARE: You killed him. Least you can do is give him a proper burial.
ENZO: One thing to kill a man...
CESARE: Save it. The dead don't care. Hurry it up, will you? Sooner we get out of here, the better.
[They dump the bodies into a well. Not exactly a "dignified burial."]
CESARE: Where are you taking him? Bring him to the well! Minchia, pesa! Wait!
[He tries to take the gold jewelry off a hand.]
ENZO: What are you doing Cesare?
CESARE: Keep him steady. Fat bastard has fingers like salsicce...
[He cuts off the fat man's finger to take a ring.]
ENZO: Fuck! Cchi ffu, Cesare?
CESARE: Could be pure gold. He's got no use for it now. Sometimes there are opportunities Luca and my uncle... They don't need to know about. Stays between us?
ENZO: Va bene.
CESARE: Right. We better go, before Luca thinks we got ourselves killed. Hey - you did good today. For a mine boy...
[They return to the farm with the cart.]
LUCA: Oh, here they are. Good work, boys. Whoa, fermo. Is this what was stolen, signore?
FARMER FICHERA: That's all of it. Grazie, grazie mille!
LUCA: Don Torrisi honors his commitments.
FARMER FICHERA: And the Don has my gratitude, of course.
LUCA: I'm glad we could make things right. That will be one hundred lire.
[He extends his hand to get paid.]
FARMER FICHERA: What?
CESARE: For this? Oof, at least.
LUCA: So one hundred, I'd say that's a good deal?
ENZO: Damn good deal.
[With a rifle over his shoulder, Enzo looks quite threatening. The old man, after thinking for a bit, reaches for the money.]
LUCA: Thank you, Signor Fichera. We'll see you next month.
FARMER FICHERA: (quietly) Facitivi schifiàri, thieving bastards...
1905
CESARE: Why don't you get yourself a girl? Have some fun once in a while? What about Francesca from the taverna? She does this one thing. Madone... Come to think of it, she'd be wasted on you.
[He throws small pebbles at Enzo.]
ENZO: Minchia, Cesare. Smettila!
[Noticing the car, Cesare gives a whistle signal.]
LUCA: They're here!
DON TORRISI: Raffaele!
[An older man and a young guy who was driving get out of the car.]
BARON FONTANELLA: Bernardo!
DON TORRISI: A pleasure as always. Quite a machine.
BARON FONTANELLA: It's a long drive from Palermo.
DON TORRISI: Well, friends should meet in person.
ENZO: Who is that?
CESARE: Baron Fontanella. Owns most of everything around here. My uncle... helps him out from time to time.
DON TORRISI: Isabella, come, greet our guests.
ENZO: And him?
CESARE: His son, Gennaro. Only thing he loves more than money is himself. Here he comes...
[The young guy kisses Isabella's hand, which Enzo doesn't like. Luca approaches them.]
LUCA: I have an important job for you two so listen. It's in the Don's interest for Isabella to spend some time with the Baron's boy. He wants to see the old temple, on the coast. You're to take them there. Make sure he keeps his hands to himself.
CESARE: As if that cugghiuni has it in him to make a move.
[At this moment, Gennaro is telling Isabella something about cars.]
LUCA: The Don is counting on this going well, Cesare. Be nice.
GENNARO: Ever ridden in an automobile? It's quite a thrill on a beautiful day like this.
ISABELLA: I was hoping to take my horse, stretch her legs.
CESARE: Her loss. I don't mind driving. You must be tired from the journey.
GENNARO: Not tired enough to trust you behind the wheel.
CESARE: You better take a horse to keep an eye on her. Meet us at the back gate. If Gennaro can get this thing started.
[Isabella playfully approaches Enzo.]
ISABELLA: Keep an eye on me? You'll be lucky if you can keep up. Let's leave them to it and get our horses ready. They could be a while.
GENNARO: Merda!!
CESARE: Want me to show you how it's done?
GENNARO: No need! Just give me a minute.
[Enzo follows Isabella to the stables.]
ISABELLA: I hope you don't mind missing out on the drive.
ENZO: And be stuck with those two? I'd much sooner ride... and I know I'll prefer the company.
ISABELLA: Not much of a compliment, but I'll take it.
ENZO: Your father is really putting on a show.
ISABELLA: He still bends the knee like everyone else.
ENZO: Why does he care so much?
ISABELLA: Oh, didn't you know? The Baron owns this land. The great Don Torrisi is just his tenant. Ciao, Gaspare.
GASPARE: Buongiorno. Are you taking the horses out?
ISABELLA: Just Alba and one other, for Enzo.
GASPARE: Stepping up in the world, eh, carusu? Take your pick.
ISABELLA: Alright, choose a horse and we can get going. How is she?
GASPARE: Enjoying the weather out here. Gets stuffy in the stables.
ISABELLA: Which horse are you taking out? Here they come.
[Enzo comes out of the stable on a chosen horse. Cesare drives up in the car and honks loudly.]
CESARE: Are we going or not? Hurry up!
ISABELLA: Idiota. You'll scare the horses.
CESARE: Ach they need to get used to it. Let's go, Gennaro. We'll meet you at the ruins. You scared of a little speed? Let me see what she can do!
[They drive away, and Isabella and Enzo follow them on horses.]
ISABELLA: The sooner we get out of here, the better. Tino's watching me like a hawk. The sooner we get out of here, the better Tino's watching me like a hawk.
ENZO: What's his problem?
ISABELLA: He's always trying to catch me out. Get me in trouble with my father.
ENZO: Get you in trouble? Why bother when Cesare's always knee deep in it?
ISABELLA: Cesare keeps him busy, that's for sure. But Tino likes to be the one whispering in my father's ear. Ne one's safe around him.
ENZO: The outing with the Baron's boy. Why is it so important to your father?
ISABELLA: He has plans. He wants me to marry Gennaro. If he can convince the Baron to accept the gobellotto's daughter, of course.
ENZO: You and Gennaro? That's...
ISABELLA: A nightmare. My life would be over.
ENZO: He can't do this to you.
ISABELLA: He can, and he will. It's all the ever wanted for me.
ENZO: What about what you want?
ISABELLA: Funny, that has never come up.
[They catch up to the car.]
ISABELLA: Is that Valerio, up ahead?
ENZO: Ciao. Off hunting?
VALERIO: Gets me out while Fontanella's around. Cesare says you're headed to the old ruins?
ISABELLA: My father wants us to entertain Gennaro.
VALERIO: Then you must entertain him. You keep an eye out, carusu. Stay away from the mountains. The lawless men up in those valleys would kill for a car like that.
ENZO: We will. Don't worry.
ISABELLA: We used to visit the ruins all the time when my mother was alive, when we were a family. Now I have to beg my father just to leave the house.
ENZO: Maybe he just wants to keep you safe.
ISABELLA: Or keep me close, where he can control me. Last summer, I told him I wanted to study on the mainland, in Napoli. He just about smashed every glass in the house. This'll be good.
[It seems the car has broken down...]
CESARE: Enzo! Come help me with this.
ISABELLA: Your boys have fun.
ENZO: Something wrong with it?
GENNARO: No, just thought I'd enjoy the view, let the fleas burrow in nice and deep.
CESARE: Luckily you have me. I think I've fixed it, but the engine needs starting up. Enzo, you're always cranking your own handle. Come give this one a try.
[Enzo approaches the car to start the engine with a crank starter, a common thing for that time.]
VILLAGER: Signore, this car is incredible. May I take a closer look?
GENNARO: You can see very well from there.
VILLAGER: There's no need to be rude.
CESARE: See that, Gennaro? The farmhand managed it.
GENNARO: Just get in.
[They drive away sharply, almost hitting Enzo.]
ENZO: Lla na mazzari!
ISABELLA: Cosa inutili! He never thinks about anyone but himself. Let's go this way, take the scenic route.
[They mount their horses again and set off.]
ENZO: Good idea.
ISABELLA: Imagine a life stuck with hir you at least can decide who you marry. My future is bound in service to my father.
ENZO: We do not always get to choose what we do, isn't that what you told me?
ISABELLA: What happened to choosing who we are? There is more to this life than duty, Enzo.
FATHER CICCONE: Where was brother Nunzio today?
VILLAGER: He went to the mountans to find some peace.
FATHER CICCONE: Buongiorno, Isabella.
ISABELLA: Buongiorno, Father.
FATHER CICCONE: It's a fine day for a ride. Just the two of you?
ISABELLA: No... yes. Enzo is my chaperone.
FATHER CICCONE: Is that so? I haven't seen you for confession lately.
ISABELLA: Sorry, Father. I've had some things on my mind.
FATHER CICCONE: All the more reason to clear your conscience. Send my regards to your father.
[Enzo and Isabella ride on.]
ENZO: He didn't seem happy about us being alone.
ISABELLA: The respectable men of the valley are rarely pleased to see me doing things that I enjoy. I'm used to it. You're not like the others, though.
ENZO: I'm not respectable?
ISABELLA: No. I mean... you talk to me like I'm a person.
ENZO: Maybe I know what it's like to need a friend.
ISABELLA: Maybe that's it. Let's take the path through the mountains. I haven't been that way in a long time.
ENZO: But Valerio said...
ISABELLA: Race you there! Loser has to ride back with Gennaro.
ENZO: Hey!
[A friendly competition ensues between them.]
ISABELLA: Ready to lose?
[Enzo surges ahead.]
ISABELLA: You really don't want to ride with Gennaro, huh? Now you're showing off! Look at you go!
[Enzo wins the race.]
ENZO: Ha ha! Andiamo!
ISABELLA: So, the win at the palio wasn't just luck.
ENZO: I would've held back, but you're good. You know what this means.
ISABELLA: I have to ride back with that strunzu?!
ENZO: Losing's bad enough. I wouldn't force Gennaro's company on you after that.
ISABELLA: Uh, such a gentleman.
ENZO: Keep calling me that. It's going to go to my head.
ISABELLA: It's been good to get out like this with someone can talk to. I wish it could always be this way.
ENZO: Maybe it can.
ISABELLA: We're getting close. This is the way we'd come with my mother. She loved it up here.
ENZO: What happened to her?
ISABELLA: She was sick for a long time. Even on her worst days, she'd lift herself out ot bed to come here.
ENZO: So she was strong-willed. Like you.
ISABELLA: She was. When she died, everything changed. My father hasn’t been the same since.
ENZO: I'm sorry. Really.
ISABELLA: Take a right here. I want to show you something. My mother was an artist. She would paint the ruins up here, from this overlook. This is why I brought my camera. About time I took a photograph of this place. Have you ever used one of these before?
[From the hillock they rode onto, a stunning view of the valley opens up. She takes a fairly compact and, apparently, insanely expensive for those times, camera out of her pocket.]
ENZO: No. Never seen one up close.
ENZO: Are you sure?
ISABELLA: Just point it at the ruins, and look down into the lens. You might need to play with the focus, like this. And you can change how much light you let in, just here.
[She puts her hand on his shoulder but realizes she has slightly overstepped the line.]
ISABELLA: Oh, sorry.
ENZO: Don't be.
ISABELLA: Well... that's all there is to it. When you're ready, press the button.
[Enzo begins an accelerated photography course.]
ISABELLA: Make sure you're framing the ruins. That's it. Once it's ready, I'll show it to you.
ENZO: Hope it turns out good.
ISABELLA: If not, we'll just have to practice some more together. Peaceful, isn't it?
ENZO: It was.
[They notice Gennaro's car rumbling along the roads.]
ISABELLA: We better catch up with them.
[They mount their horses.]
ISABELLA: For a beginner you were a natural with the camera.
ISABELLA: If you want, you can borrow it. Plenty of places I haven't taken photos of yet. The best ones go in my journal. I've read all about the world. America, England. But the Valle Dorata’s like nowhere else. Thought I would make my own record of this place.
ENZO: I'd like to read that.
ISABELLA: Help me take more photographs, maybe you can. Almost there. It's been nice spending time with you, Enzo.
ENZO: It has.
ISABELLA: Things have been different since you showed up. Better. I'm glad your found your way to us.
ENZO: Me too.
ISABELLA: Here we are.
[They ride up to the car.]
GENNARO: Can't recall a journey I've hated more.
CESARE: Now you're just being dramatic.
GENNARO: You took your time.
ISABELLA: The temple's been here for more than two thousand years. It isn't going anywhere.
GENNARO: A girl with a camera. Whatever next?
ISABELLA: Oh, I don't know, Gennaro. A boy with manners?
GENNARO: That's not what I- Let's start again, eh? Why don't you tell me about your photographs, while we take a look around? You boys watch the car while we're gone, eh? Would you?
CESARE: Yeah, don't worry, we'll take good care of her.
ENZO: Shouldn't we go with them?
CESARE: Trust me, she can look after herself with that one.
[Gennaro and Isabella leave.]
TWO HOURS LATER
CESARE: Want to take it for a ride?
ENZO: So Gennaro trusts you behind the wheel now? You two must have really hit it off.
CESARE: Fuck Gennaro. He can go tell his daddy. And besides, I'm not driving, you are.
[Enzo looks at the marvel of modern technology with some surprise and, thinking "to hell with it, you only live once,"...]
ENZO: Fanculo... If you show me what to do.
CESARE: There you go! Let's see how you handle it, mine boy. Start the engine and get in! Me and the boys come driving here sometimes. Few drinks. Few girls. Beilissimo!
[Enzo starts the car with the crank starter.]
CESARE: There you go, now get in! Alright, put your foot there and push down. See that temple, over on that hill? That's where we start our races. Head over there, maybe we'll try a lap if you can handle her right. Use the other pedal stop if you need to. You don't want to mess this baby up. That's it. Just remember not to drive into anything, and you'll be golden. Think you're ready for a challenge, mine boy. Behold, the Circuit of the Gods. Let's see how you do getting around it. Those pillars with ribbons mark out the track. Just follow them back here, to the starting line.
ENZO: Let's do it.
CESARE: Go on then, put your foot down! People have been racing around this place for God knows how long. Even my uncle used to run horses here. First pillar coming up! Thats one down! Keep going, here comes another one! There's the next pillar!
ENZO: Did you hear that? Sounded like a gun.
CESARE: Huh? Probably hunters. Next one's coming up! Last one ahead! Alright, let's give you a real taste of what this track was made for. Go around again, but this time, put your foot down! Come on! Drive! Nobody's beaten my best time around here.
ENZO: Not until now.
CESARE: Yeah good luck. First pillar down! Speed's looking good! That's another one! You're really flying!
ENZO: Are you sure that's hunters?
CESARE: Trust me, I know this place. They love chasing birds around here. Just keep driving!
ISABELLA: Ahhh!
ENZO: Isabella!
CESARE: Minchia! We better get over there! Left, Enzo! Go! Head to the temple!
[A bullet hits the car. Armed men are hiding behind rocks.]
CESARE: Minchia! Bandits! Watch out! Anything happens to them, we're dead. Amuni!
[Enzo stops in a safe place, and they get out.]
MESSINA: Bring them to me! Kill anyone who gets in your way.
CESARE: Fuck! Messina's with them. He won't give up easily!
[They engage in a shootout.]
ENZO: Hunters, Cesare?! Really?!
CESARE: Not now! Just kill the bastaddi. These figgh 'i buttani! They'll take Isabella!
ENZO: No! We'll get to her.
BANDIT: Don't let them get any closer!
CESARE: Shit, shit, shit!
ENZO: Just keep shooting!
CESARE: We should've stayed with them!
ENZO: Going driving was your idea!
[They manage to deal with the bandits in the lower part of the ruins.]
CESARE: Get up there and find them! I'll shoot from here, keep the bastards off you!
ENZO: Isabela?! Where are you?
BANDIT: Found her!
ISABELLA: Get off me!
MESSINA: Bring her over here!
ISABELLA: Ahhh!
ENZO: Isabella! I'm coming!
[He takes out the double-barreled shotgun and, while running, takes out one bandit after another, trying to get to Isabella. Finally, he finds the group of bandits who took Isabella and tries to sneak up on them, but he is noticed, and they open fire.]
ENZO: Merda!
[Noticing this, Isabella hits the shooter in the knee, and he falls.]
ISABELLA: No!
[Messina grabs her.]
ISABELLA: Don't touch me, you bastard!
[She kicks Messina, and he hits Isabella in the face.]
ENZO: Isabella!
[She is tied up and placed in a wagon.]
MESSINA: Put him up front.
GENNARO: My father will have you-
[He immediately gets hit in the stomach with a rifle butt.]
ISABELLA: Testa 'i minchia! Figgh'i buttana!
MESSINA: Let's go!
[Isabella is taken away, and at that moment, Cesare drives up in the car.]
CESARE: Enzo! We can't let them get away. Get in!
ENZO: I drive. You shoot.
CESARE: Better hope you're a fast learner! Catch up to them! Go! Go! Messina's a dead man! He thinks he can kidnap my cousin?! Agh! The car!
ENZO: Fuck the car!
[An adrenaline-fueled high-speed chase with shootouts begins.]
CESARE: Hey! You want to kill us before my uncle gets the chance?! The way they just showed up, looks like they planned it. Can't take a shit out here without one of these bastards jumping out from behind a tree! Fire! Watch out! They're heading down the hill! Stay on them! Through the temple! Bastards! I'll kill them!
ENZO: No, Cesare! You'll hit Isabella!
CESARE: Firebomb!
GENNARO: Stop this. Now! Take the right! If we stay behind them, we're dead! Keep right! They're bringing down the pillar!
ENZO: Cristo!
MESSINA: Put holes in those strunzi!
ISABELLA: Enzo!
ENZO: Hang in there, Isabella! I'm going to get you out of this!
CESARE: Oh, fuck!
ENZO: Hold on!
[Meanwhile, the car constantly flies off steep ledges, demonstrating miracles of quality assembly. Everyone inside can fully experience the quality of the spring suspension of that time.]
GENNARO: Aah!
CESARE: Not sure how much of this she can take!
MESSINA: Take out those bastaddus in the car!
CESARE: Go left! They're blocking the road!
ENZO: Shoot the riders!
CESARE: What an idea!
ENZO: Smoke's getting worse! That can't be good!
CESARE: It's bad. Enzo! Really fucking bad! They'll all get what's coming to them. First my cousin, now the car...
ENZO: Come on, Cesare!
CESARE: What?! I barely got to drive it!
ENZO: It won't last much longer, we need to find something else!
CESARE: What else?!
ENZO: How should I know?
MESSINA: Put holes in those strunzi!
CESARE: Figgh'i buttana!
ENZO: Cesare, take the wheel!
CESARE: What?!
ENZO: Just do it! I'm going for the horse.
[He jumps onto a black horse galloping near the car.]
CESARE: Bedda matri! Don't let them get away!
MESSINA: He's still coming! Get him off of us!
[Enzo, at a gallop, shoots from a rifle, killing one bandit after another while riding at full speed.]
ENZO: Minchia!
MESSINA: Bury him! Kill this figgh 'i buttana!
ENZO: Agn, minchiuni!
GENNARO: Stop this. Now! Do something!
ENZO: I'm trying!
MESSINA: Bury him! Idioti! Get rid of him!
BANDIT: Give up, bastaddu!
ENZO: Not a chance!
MESSINA: Kill this strunzu! Bring him down! Don't let him follow!
GENNARO: Aah!
BANDIT: Who is this lunatic?! Fontanella must have hired protection!
MESSINA: Bury him! Bring him down! Figgh'i buttana! Put this bastard in the ground!
GENNARO: Aah!
[Finally, Enzo catches up to the wagon. He is riding on a hillock slightly above the road the wagon is on.]
ENZO: Stop the cart. Messina, or I'm coming down there!
ISABELLA: Enzo!
MESSINA: Kill him!
ENZO: Has to be now!
[He epicly jumps down, knocking over a bandit lurking to shoot at him. However, two other bandits are still holding Isabella, and Messina himself is driving the wagon.]
ISABELLA: Enzo!
MESSINA: Get rid of him!
[Enzo dodges one of the bandits and throws him onto the road.]
MESSINA: What are you two doing?
[Gennaro is sitting next to Messina as a passenger.]
GENNARO: The driver! Get the driver!
MESSINA: You shut up!
[Gennaro gets an elbow to the face and loses consciousness. Meanwhile, Isabella manages to hit the bandit holding her, and Enzo punches him in the face, and he falls out of the wagon.]
MESSINA: Enough!
[He pulls out a sawn-off shotgun and shoots at the heroes, but Enzo manages to jump out of the wagon with Isabella. The shot only blows off a piece of the wagon's back wall. Coming to her senses first, Isabella immediately runs to Enzo.]
ISABELLA: Enzo...
ENZO: Isabella... You alright?
ISABELLA: Enzo...
ENZO: You're alright...
[Enzo cuts Isabella's ropes, and she kisses her savior passionately and fiercely. Cesare drives up in the barely working car.]
CESARE: Isabella! Stai bene?
ISABELLA: They took Gennaro.
ENZO: You both need to go back.
CESARE: What about you?
ENZO: I'm going after them.
CESARE: I need to take you home.
ISABELLA: No!
CESARE: You know he's right.
[Isabella, albeit reluctantly, gets into the car. Cesare turns to Enzo.]
CESARE: The fuck are you doing?
ENZO: What?
CESARE: You're going to get yourself killed for that asshole?
ENZO: I need to make this right.
CESARE: Don't do anything stupid, alright? I'll be back, with Luca and the others.
MESSINA'S CAMP
[Enzo tracks the wagon and towards evening finds Messina, who has set up camp.]
ENZO: Found you...
GENNARO: Don't make it any worse for yourself!
MESSINA: Lock him up. I've heard enough of his whining.
BANDIT: Vai! Move it.
BANDIT: This was meant to be easy. Pick up the boy and hold him till your man gets what he wants.
MESSINA: The plan stays the same. We hold the little coglione till Fontanella folds. But there's a problem. The girl that was with him... is Torrisi's daughter. First light, he's going to send men. Whole area will be crawling with them. By then, we need to be gone with the kid.
BANDIT: We could leave him here.
MESSINA: Until we see some money, the kid stays with us.
[In anger, he throws the bottle of wine he was drinking into the fire.]
MESSINA: Minchia!
GENNARO: Do you know who I am? You can't do this to me! My father will send men! I'm warning you!
[Enzo, trying not to make noise, makes his way through the camp located in the mountains, hiding behind rocks and cave arches.]
BANDIT: I don't care what Messina says. The son of a baron? We should celebrate!
BANDIT: Yeah!
BANDIT: You think Don Torrisi's going to let this go? Messina nearly killed his daughter.
BANDIT: We can worry about that later. Once Fontanella pays the ransom, we can sit on the money and stay out of sight.
BANDIT: For now, we drink!
BANDIT: Five thousand lire.
BANDIT: Think the Baron will pay?
BANDIT: I heard he's in debt, losing money all over. Tried to tell Messina, but he wouldn't listen.
BANDIT: We're risking retaliation from Torrisi. There better be money in this for us.
BANDIT: Better be money in this. Messina owes me after last time.
BANDIT: What happened?
BANDIT: We lifted some water pumps from a farm in the valley, stashed them in the hills. Was supposed to be an easy job. Next day a crew turned up and shot the place to hell.
[Enzo manages to sneak to the upper part of the camp where Messina himself is holed up, eliminating bandits along the way and only starting a shootout at the very end.]
MESSINA: You again! Kill this figgh'i buttana! He's coming up the hill! Kill him!
GENNARO: Help! If I die, it's your fault! Keep them away from me! Get rid of them! Kill them! Keep them away from me! Over here! Kill them!
[After killing all the bandits, Enzo unties the poor soul Gennaro, who was tied to a post. Messina, apparently, has fled.]
GENNARO: Bedda matri! I thought you would be long gone.
ENZO: Hey, are you alright?
GENNARO: What do you think? They could have killed me. Thank God. Let's get out of here.
ENZO: Follow me, and stay close.
GENNARO: Let's get out of this wretched place! They treated me like an animal. Said they'd start cutting off my fingers if my father didn't pay. You lead the way. There could be more of them!
RANSOM NOTE - GENNARO
We have your boy, Fontanella.
Pay five thousand lire by March 27th, or we will send him back to you in pieces. We will start with his tongue to put a stop to his screams.
Leave the money at the old Marchese Farm, under the bucket by the well.
If the money is there on the morning of the 27th, we will return him to you unharmed. Mostly.
ENZO: It wouldn't have come to that.
GENNARO: Thank you. Really thought I'd die here. Is that the ransom note? How much were they asking?
ENZO: Five thousand lire. There's a way out over there. Let's go.
[He jumps over a very low fence, but Gennaro can't do it - either because of his wounds or simply because he's such a weakling.]
ENZO: Oh. You alright? We need to go, come on. Gennaro! Look at me.
[At that moment, Messina approaches with a sawn-off shotgun.]
MESSINA: You again. The kid stays with me. Once I'm done with you, we're gone. Then I get paid.
ENZO: I wouldn't count that gold just yet.
[He pulls out a knife.]
ENZO: Come on.
[Messina, either drunk or just angry, falls for this trick and also pulls out a knife.]
ENZO: Bravo.
MESSINA: You're out of your depth, boy. This is bigger than you and me. Put down the knife. I get my bounty, you walk away with your life.
ENZO: There's no deal you can make here.
MESSINA: You're nothing! Minchia!
ENZO: Sucaminchia! That the only way you can win? For what you did. I have to finish this.
MESSINA: If you think you've got it in you...
GENNARO: Hurry. Finish the bastard!
MESSINA: Nice try!
GENNARO: Kill him! Ammazzalu!
MESSINA: Foolish boy!
[They fight long and hard, but Enzo manages to gain the upper hand and knock the big guy down with a blow to the base of the neck from the spine side. Blood slowly spreads on the ground.]
GENNARO: I thought you were a dead man.
[He puts a hand on Enzo's shoulder.]
GENNARO: Thank you.
ENZO: Let's find you a horse and get back.
[Gannaro spits on Messina's corpse.]
GENNARO: Pezzo di merda.
[Meanwhile, at the villa, Luca arms his men. They are preparing to go help Enzo.]
LUCA: Okay, listen. Messina sometimes camps by the old castello this time of year. We start there. He'll know we're coming, so stay alert. And we don't come back without the boy.
[The Don approaches him.]
DON TORRISI: You put the rest of those bastards in the ground. Messina you bring back to me alive. Nobody touches my daughter. This he'll learn before his time is up.
LUCA: Okay.
CESARE: Hey!
[Enzo and Gennaro, who is clearly unwell from his wounds, ride onto the villa grounds.]
BARON FONTANELLA: Gennaro, my boy! What did those thugs do? You're hurt! You're hurt!
GENNARO: I'm alright, father. Cuts and bruises.
DON TORRISI: What about Messina and his gang?
ENZO: They won't be a problem anymore.
BARON FONTANELLA: I trust you will handle matters from here, Bernardo. Come, come. Let's go inside.
[He leaves with his son.]
DON TORRISI: I counted on you keeping Isabella and Gennaro safe.
ENZO: It won't happen again.
DON TORRISI: But, you risked your life to make amends. It showed bravery. In this family, loyalty is everything.
[The Don leaves.]
LUCA: I don't know how you did it... This could have gone very differently.
[They leave. Enzo notices Isabella on the balcony, who came to see him. Enzo smiles, understanding he did something good.]
ISABELLA: Father Ciccone's not around, if you're here to confess.
ENZO: It's not him I'm looking for. Isabella... Have you told anyone? About what happened?
ISABELLA: I haven't told a soul. Why?
ENZO: Because your father has asked to see me. And I don't know what about.
ISABELLA: If I've caused you any trouble, I'm sorry.
ENZO: I'm not. I want to be with you.
ISABELLA: I want that too...
ENZO: I'll find a way. I should go.
ISABELLA: Be careful, Enzo.
ENZO: I will.
[He descends from the hillock on which the chapel is located and on the way meets the priest.]
FATHER CICCONE: God be with you, Enzo. Were you looking for me? To confess, perhaps?
ENZO: Oh, no, I was just saying a quick prayer. And I need to speak with Don Torrisi.
FATHER CICCONE: Ah, I was just with the Don. Upstairs, in his office.
ENZO: Thank you, father.
[Enzo goes to the Don, noticing Cesare along the way.]
CESARE: Hey! Must be new around here. Nobody looks like you could've stayed hidden from me.
WORKER: Please, I have work to do.
CESARE: I don't bite. What's your name?
WORKER: Angelica.
CESARE: Like an angel. I'm Cesare. They treating you right? If not, you can come to me. I'm kind of important round here. The Don, he's my uncle.
WORKER: This washing...
CESARE: Hey, hey, I'm just being friendly. What's wrong with that? We all need a friend, right?
WORKER: If I don't finish my work...
CESARE: Don't worry about that. I'll look out for you... Minchia... Enzo. What do you want?
ENZO: Where's Don Torrisi?
CESARE: He'll be upstairs, in his office. Why?
ENZO: He's asked for me.
CESARE: For you? Bedda matri, must have some shoes that needs shining.
ENZO: I'll leave you to your important work out here.
[He enters the Don's mansion itself. For the first time.]
CLEANUP INITIATIVE
2nd April, 1905
WEAPON SMUGGLERS UNDER ARREST
After months of speeches, Major Ettore D’Amico has finally shown there is substance behind his promise to crack down on crime. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, D’Amico led a raid on a farmhouse just outside of Porto Almaro.
Here, several men involved in the smuggling of weapons were apprehended. During a speech made on the steps of San Celeste Town Hall, D'Amico boasted this is ‘just one part’ of a wider cleanup initiative, precipitated by ‘a wave of crime that has left Valle Dorata feeling lawless, with unsolved murders, widespread robberies and a police force that has lost control.’
D'Amico intimated that the arrested men may have been part of a larger criminal enterprise, but refused to give further details.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Those bastards, they're still hiding in the hills. I'm sure of it. Should be out there after them.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: The Don's orders. We sit tight, for now. Trust he has a plan.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: That jumped up little sucaminchia's one thing, but Isabella? Oh, who let you in here?
ENZO: I'm looking for Don Torrisi's office.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Follow the corridor, first door on the right. And knock. You're not in the farmyard anymore.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: A carusu has business with the Don? What's next?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Hey, you save the Don's daughter, maybe you will too.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: What's he doing in here?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Got lost on the way to the shit-heap. How should I know?
[He encounters Tino smoking on the balcony.]
TINO: Nice view of the chapel from up here.
[Finally, Enzo knocks on the door of the Don's office.]
LUCA: Come in, Enzo.
DON TORRISI: I want to speak with you about my daughter. What you did for her, for our family, took courage. Luca tells me this is not the first time you've shown instinct in the face of danger. Bravery is not common in this world, Enzo. Loyalty, honor, obedience - they set a man apart from the rest. What happened at the temple was an insult to Isabella and to our reputation. You took care of Messina, but this matter is not yet resolved. Will you help me bring it to a close?
ENZO: Of course, Don Torrisi.
DON TORRISI: As you may know, Baron Fontanella has a sizable interest in the sulfur mines at Collezolfo. Sadly, the Baron's relationship with his business partner, a man named Ludovici, has soured of late. The kidnapping, that you foiled, was planned by Ludovici. He contracted those brigands to take Gennaro, as leverage, to force Fontanella to sell his holdings. I was not inclined to intervene in this dispute, despite the Baron's petition. What happens in those mines, or between third parties, that's not my concern. When Isabella became involved, however, it became our business. Now we must send a message, to all around, that Torrisi takes care of his family and his affairs. Will you do that, Enzo?
ENZO: I will.
DON TORRISI: Good.
LUCA: Let's go.
[They leave the Don's office.]
LUCA: You're to meet with Tino's men. They're on a farm near Ludovici's villa, keeping an eye on things. They can be a little rough. But first, lets get you what you need to get the job done.
VALENTINA: Samuele! If you keep stealing food I'll tell your father not to take you out with him tomorrow. Didn't I tell you to watch the stove?
LUCA: Amore mio, it was only a second. There was business to discuss.
VALENTINA: Well, your 'business' has burnt this spezzatino to the bottom of the pan. Well, hurry up.
LUCA: Careful what you say around my wife. Anyway, you ready?
ENZO: I am.
LUCA: Confidence is good, but don't let it become arrogance. Oh, Valerio! Enzo here needs to see you about a pest problem.
VALERIO: I'll be in my workshop. Send him down.
VALENTINA: Luca! No need to hold his hand, he's a big boy. Get back here.
LUCA: Minchia, this woman. She's lucky love her.
VALERIO: Just through here, it's where I keep my tools.
[They enter the wine cellar.]
VALERIO: Not just a stable boy anymore, eh?
ENZO: Something like that.
VALERIO: Well if you're here for grown man's work, I have what you need. Take a look around, choose what you like and then come and see me. The Bolt Action Rifle. Ideal for picking off vermin from a distance. You've chosen then?
ENZO: I have...
VALERIO: I suggest you go fetch a car. Never know, these pests you're after could start shooting back.
[Enzo exits the cellar.]
VILLAGER: The table's all ready for you, signora.
ISABELLA: Grazie, Constanzo. Ah, Enzo. Could you carry this crate for me?
ENZO: Of course, signorina. If I can ask, what is this for?
ISABELLA: Still life photography. But Signor Favara, you look equipped for hunting. Is that how you plan to spend your day?
ENZO: Your father was kind enough to give me an afternoon of leisure.
ISABELLA: Please, just put it down there. So he doesn't know? We're safe?
ENZO: We're safe.
ISABELLA: And the gun?
ENZO: That's nothing to worry about. Please, let's talk later? Was there anything else, signorina?
ISABELLA: No... Grazie.
ENZO: Any time.
[He goes to get the car. Cesare is fixing some car, but white smoke is also coming from it, indicating an overheated engine.]
CESARE: How'd it go with my uncle?
ENZO: Wants me to look into something for him. I need to borrow a car.
CESARE: Yeah? Well, this one's fucked. Check the garage. You should go see Pasquale if you want to fix that thing up any more.
[Taking a small car from the garage, Enzo drives to the indicated place where Tino's people, also old men, are waiting for him. It's a small, secluded spot convenient for observing the villa.]
FEDE: What do you want?
ENZO: Luca sent me.
CARLO: Luca who?
ENZO: Luca Trapani. From the vineyard.
FEDE: Idiota, get inside here.
ENZO: So what's going on?
FEDE: Take a look for yourself.
CARLO: Ludovici's not home. Looks like Spadaro loaned him a crew from the mine to watch his back.
TORRISI LOGBOOK
Tuesday
Ludovici seen late afternoon, leaving in his car. Returned home early in the evening. No further activity.
Wednesday
Spadaro’s men arrived in the morning. Ludovici didn’t leave his villa. Spadaro’s men remained all night.
Thursday No sign of Ludovici, but he hasn't left. Spadaro’s men coming and going. Shift changes.
Friday
Ludovici seen pacing his grounds. Chainsmoking. Spadaro’s men remain on site. Approx. a dozen. Ludovici left in car. First time in three days. Spadaro’s men remain.
ENZO: Merda. Where's Tino?
FEDE: Never you mind. He'll be back later. We don't do a thing until then.
CARLO: Get comfortable. Could be a long wait.
LATER
[A car drives up to the gates and honks.]
LUDOVICI: I'm waiting! Come on! A little haste, is all I ask for!
ENZO: Ludovici. He's here.
TINO: It's time then.
FEDE: We're ready. Just give the word.
TINO: The Don has entrusted this duty to the carusu so listen well, boy. Ludovici knows now the devil follows close behind. He thinks his Spadaro security will protect him. You will prove him wrong. Bring the worm, alive, to the ruins of the old castello.
ENZO: Just me, alone?
TINO: Make a mess of this and any misguided faith the Don has in you will be lost, u capisti?
CARLO: Don't be an idiota, avoid the main gate.
[Enzo carefully climbs onto the villa grounds and, hiding behind various terrain features, tries to eliminate guards as quietly as possible to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: What's this Ludovici guy do to have a place like this?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Shipping, land, I heard he even has a stake in the mine.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Our mine? That's how he knows Don Spadaro?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Right. Must have made a move against Fontanella for us to be here.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: What did this Ludovici do, anyway? For Ruggero to send this many men...
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Must have crossed someone serious. Fucked the wrong guy's wife. Who knows?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: This guy? He hasn't got it in him.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You seen inside this place?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: No, have you?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: I came with Spadaro once. Its like a palace in there. Sculptures, paintings, everything in gold. Even has a flushing toilet.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: And here I am outside, guarding the place, and I can barely afford to repair my shoes.
[Enzo infiltrates the house, which is indeed very richly furnished. There is expensive furniture and carpets everywhere.]
ENZO: Some place...
PROTECTION AGREEMENT
Dearest Massimo,
Apologies if you find my tone presumptuous. I feel like we are on first name terms now.
Bringing Torrisi into this affair was unwise in the extreme. Our man reports fury and indignation among the grape vines, you must take care.
As we agreed, I have sent a dozen men to defend your property. They will remain until this matter is resolved.
Please remember that my protection does not come for free. When Fontanella finally releases his interest in the mine, you will make a half share available to me.
Your future partner,
Ruggero Spadaro
[Enzo approaches a door from which a low female singing voice is heard, it feels like she's singing an aria from "The Nibelungs." He listens before entering and, realizing the door is locked, kicks it open. A surprised elderly man who was listening to a gramophone looks at him.]
LUDOVICI: Is this about Fontanella? You want money? Take anything.
[Enzo menacingly advances on him without stopping.]
LUDOVICI: Guards! Guards! Please...
[The old man tries to defend himself, but Enzo punches him in the stomach and then hits him in the head several times with the butt of his gun.]
ENZO: Bastaddu...
[Going out onto the balcony, Enzo realizes the guards have sniffed out that there's an intruder on the villa grounds.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We know you're up there!
ENZO: Time we left.
LUDOVICI: Help! He's going to kill me!
[While Enzo fights the guard, the old man runs away.]
ENZO: Where'd he go?!
LUDOVICI: Ahh! Get away from me!
ENZO: Stop!
LUDOVICI: He's trying to kill me!
ENZO: Get back here! Shit!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You won't get through us!
LUDOVICI: What are you waiting for?! Shoot him!
ENZO: This goes easier if you don't run!
LUDOVICI: Help! He's going to kill me!
LUDOVICI: God, no...
[Fighting his way through a dozen mobsters, Enzo finds the old man, knocks him out with a few blows to the face, and throws him over his shoulder.]
ENZO: Heavy bastard.
[Enzo carries him out the gates and drags him to the car that has already arrived.]
CARLO: Throw him in the back and get in.
[Enzo gets into the car, and they drive away.]
ENZO: Lla na mazzari...
CARLO: Get yourself together. Your work isn't done yet.
ENZO: You didn't think to come help back there?
CARLO: Didn't want to leave a nice car like this unattended. Besides, you're still alive, so quit complaining. It's him in the back who has the real problems.
[They drive up to the ruins of a castle.]
FEDE: That's him? Did you kill him?
ENZO: He's breathing, just out cold.
FEDE: Get him out of the car then. Get a move on, Carusu.
ENZO: Where am I carrying him?
FEDE: Where do you think? To meet Tino.
ENZO: And he couldn't come down here?
FEDE: Enough complaining.
[Enzo carries the unconscious old man for a while.]
TINO: Carusu, didn't think you'd have the nerve. Put him down.
LUDOVICI: What's this?
TINO: Sit up and shut your mouth. Now it's time to prove yourself, carusu. You know what must happen. If you think you can deliver it, you best show me now. Kill this rodent.
LUDOVICI: No! Don't do this!
TINO: Do it!
LUDOVICI: I don't want to die, please! God no! Please! No!
[After thinking for a bit, Enzo pulls out a pistol and shoots the old man in the head. The screen abruptly goes dark. The next day, two hunters find the body. A wad of money is stuffed in his throat, and his fingers are cut off.]
Villa Torrisi
ONE WEEK LATER
[Enzo reads a letter from his beloved Isabella.]
ISABELLA: Caro Enzo. I've thought about what you said. And my heart wants that, too. But my head tells me you put too much faith in my father. But still I dream of ways things could be different, closer between us. Tell me, what do you dream about?
[Cesare bursts into Enzo's room (which is still the same).]
CESARE: Come out here, will you? You're needed.
ENZO: What's this about?
CESARE: Come on, let's go.
ENZO: Where?
CESARE: Doesn't matter, let's go.
ENZO: You're pulling me out of bed, you can't tell me what's going on?
CESARE: Just stop talking and listen, alright?
[Enzo, perplexed, simply follows Cesare. They meet Luca in the wine cellar.]
ENZO: Luca. What is this?
LUCA: No need to look so worried. We're all friends here. You walk through this door, then you listen and answer honestly.
ENZO: Answer what?
LUCA: You want to be a part of this, yes? Of what we are.
ENZO: Yes.
LUCA: Then go inside.
[Enzo opens the heavy wooden door of the wine cellar and enters. Several people are waiting for him there.]
DON TORRISI: Come forward. All of the men in this room are bound by blood. This is a family. And in this family, we follow a code of honor. It's a way of life, a brotherhood.
DON GALANTE: You're here because of your deeds, and the assertions of those who stand at your side.
TINO: This life is one of secrecy. If you make a friend, meet a woman... They must not know about our thing.
DON TORRISI: It is binding; it is not forgiving. To betray one is to betray all. Do you wish to commit yourself, your life, to this family?
ENZO: Yes. I do.
DON TORRISI: Then, before the eyes of all here present, join me.
[Enzo approaches the Don. He takes a knife and cuts Enzo's lower lip, then brings a card with the Holy Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus and sprinkles it with Enzo's blood.]
DON TORRISI: To become a man of honor, repeat these words.
[He sets the card on fire and places it on Enzo's palm.]
DON TORRISI: I swear my loyalty to this family.
ENZO: I swear my loyalty to this family.
DON TORRISI: My flesh must burn like this saint if I do not keep my oath.
ENZO: My flesh must burn like this saint if I do not keep my oath.
DON TORRISI: Welcome, Enzo.
[He kisses him on the cheeks.]
LUCA: Benvenuto, Enzo!
CESARE: Benvenuto, Enzo!
DON GALANTE: Benvenuto, Enzo!
ENZO: Salute.
[After drinking wine, all those present exit the cellar.]
VALERIO: Used to grin from ear to ear, like some imbecile. Well, he wasn't smiling when Tino pulled the lupara. It was like he saw the devil himself.
LUCA: Part of the family now, huh? You know, when we found you in that barn, you were skin and bones... Even then, I saw a fire in you. From now on, you've got to be even smarter. Our thing is your life now. You've done well, Enzo. I'm proud of you.
ENZO: Grazie, Luca.
LUCA: Could be a long night. When they did this for me, we went through three crates... That is enough for me.
[Enzo looks up and sees Isabella. She seems displeased.]
FOUR CRATES LATER
[The guys are sitting at a table near the villa, listening to loud music on a gramophone and drinking.]
CESARE: Come on old man, we'll head into town.
LUCA: When you have a wife, children, you will understand.
LEO: You think any woman would have him?
LUCA: If he's lucky, he'll meet a girl who is deaf, dumb, and blind.
CESARE: Ach, forget about him. I think Valentina keeps his balls in a little bag by the bed. You going to drink that?
ENZO: What? Oh, no, no. Go ahead.
LEO: Woah, be careful!
CESARE: Enzo, lose the face, will you? It's a celebration. Let's get some more drinks! We should take the music with us!
LEO: If it drowns you out, sure.
CESARE: Strunzu... You fetch that for me, Leone.
[They take the gramophone and leave.]
ENZO: You have a place in mind?
CESARE: Oh, I think so. Just wait and see. He knows what I'm talking about.
LEO: Oh, I know. You know I know.
CESARE: Ha! You're a hound, Leone. A fucking hound!
LEO: So, San Celeste?
CESARE: We'll take a car.
ENZO: You're in no state to drive.
CESARE: Who said anything about me driving? Enzo, crank that car for us, will you?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Come on, let's go! Eh! You'll wake everybody.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Who's sleeping? We can all sleep tomorrow!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Idiota...
CESARE: Come on, let's get going! I need another drink. I need a woman!
ENZO: Alright, alright. Where to again?
LEO: You forgot already? San Celeste, and don't spare the horses.
CESARE: So, you're in mine boy. How does it feel?
ENZO: Good. Really good.
CESARE: Damn right, it's good. Now you can do whatever the fuck you want.
LEO: Sit down, idiota!
CESARE: Hey! Keep those dainty hands to yourself and show some respect. I'll be boss of this crew one day.
LEO: Bedda Matri. If things ever get that bad, I'm moving to Palermo.
[Some time later on the bridge...]
CESARE: Stop the car!
ENZO: What? What the problem?
CESARE: I need to piss!
LEO: Gessuzu. Didn't your uncle tell you to go before you left the house?
CESARE: Fuck you and wait.
LEO: What are you doing?!
CESARE: What? Ahhh....
LEO: Can't you just go behind a bush like everyone else?
CESARE: I'm not everyone else. And neither are you, so don't act like them. This is ours boys. This whole valley, all you can see.
ENZO: All I see is an idiot pissing in the wind. Come on, get in the car.
CESARE: You two need to think bigger. Fuck them. Our thing is our thing. You know what I mean?
LEO: Whatever you say, Don Cesare. Let's go, you sound like you need another drink. Get in before he decides to drive.
CESARE: Let's get moving. I'm thirsty.
[They continue their ride.]
CESARE: Enzo. The time will come when it'll just be me and you. Good friend, loyal. A man of honor. My right hand.
LEO: Hey! What about me?
CESARE: You? You can be my butler.
LEO: Wine! Give me wine, give me wine, give me wine! And a round of beauties!
CESARE: I like boobies!
ENZO: Bedda Matri, my fucking ears!
LEO: Give me wine, and a lovely principessa! Vino, some rosso e blanco e vina! I'll settle for a contessa!
CESARE: Hey, salute Enzo!
[They ride into the night city singing songs and playing loud music.]
LEO: Celeste, San Celeste, San Celeste, San Celeste! Put your foot on it, Enzo!
CESARE: We're nearly there amici!
TOWNSMAN: Hey, you know what time it is?
LEO: Here on the left. Pull in. We don't need the music no more.
CESARE: Ah! We're here!
LEO: Eh, eh, quiet!
CESARE: You're going to love it! Merda!
ROSARIA: Where have you been stranger?
CESARE: Rosaria, principessa! Business. A man like me has responsibilities.
LEO: Hey!
ENZO: I could do with some air.
LEO: Plenty of air inside. You... know what to do, right?
ENZO: It's not that. There's a girl.
LEO: Weren't you listening back there? Code of silence.
[He chuckles and goes to the prostitutes. Enzo drives away and sleeps in the car for a while. Cesare wakes him up.]
CESARE: What the fuck is this? Where were you? Peeping in through the window like some guardone? You don't live in a hole anymore, Enzo. You're part of the Torrisi family now. Act like it. Now, move over. Got something to show you.
ENZO: You sure you can drive?
CESARE: I drive better than you blindfolded. Besides, a good woman sobers a man up.
LEO: You were drinking like a fish in there.
CESARE: Enough! Come on, I have another surprise.
ENZO: Eyes on the road!
CESARE: Calma! We're fine. Minchia, not down here...
LEO: You know where you're going?
CESARE: I'm driving, not you! Just got to turn it around here...
LEO: Shit, I don't want to die today, Cesare.
CESARE: Here we are.
LEO: Finally.
CESARE: Come on. Pasquale said he'd meet us here with the keys.
[They drive up to a beautiful house.]
TOWNSMAN: Who's this?
TOWNSMAN: No idea.
TOWNSMAN: They live here? Don't seem the type....
PASQUALE: You boys look like you had a big night.
LEO: You could say that.
PASQUALE: I appreciate the invite.
CESARE: You know how it is. Family only.
PASQUALE: Sure. Not like I don't do enough for you all. Well, I left the keys inside. On the table.
CESARE: Should be grateful we do business with him at all.
ENZO: What is this?
CESARE: A man of honor can't still be sleeping in a pig pen, can he?
ENZO: Cesare... You fixed this for me?
CESARE: Don't thank me yet. Let me show you inside. Not bad, eh? And the whorehouse so close!
LEO: You couldn't have tidied up first?
CESARE: So, it needs a clean, so what? Go ahead Enzo, take a look around.
ENZO: There's food still out here.
LEO: These people left in the middle of breakfast?
CESARE: They had to leave in a hurry. Family emergency. Not our problem.
ENZO: What happened here? Is this blood?
CESARE: Probably ragù. It's nothing. What are you waiting for? You don't want to see your new place?
THREATENING LETTER
Carmelo,
Your mother, Evelina, with her bad hip. A son should be close at hand.
It would not be good for her to take another fall, particularly when you live so far away.
Go home to Naples, to your mother. Before you lose the chance.
Do not worry about the apartment, we will take care of it.
A concerned friend.
ENZO: There's a letter here. Addressed to Carmelo? There's someone's clothes in here.
CESARE: For you, if they fit. If not, throw them out. You haven't seen everything yet. Let me show you the bedroom. Look! A proper bed! Now you won't have to sleep with the fucking pigs anymore.
LEO: No, you can leave that to Cesare.
CESARE: Hey!
LEO: Alright. We did the tour, Enzo. I'm heading back, get some rest.
CESARE: So, what do you think?
ENZO: I don't know what to say. It's great.
CESARE: Well, you're welcome. When I met you, I thought shoveling shit was all you'd amount to.
ENZO: Right.
CESARE: No. I mean, you've done good. My uncle, me... we're lucky to have you around. And when it's my time, I won't forget that. It's going to be just me and you one day, like I said, remember?
[They hug like brothers.]
ENZO: You should go take a bath or something.
CESARE: Ha, strunzu. I'll let you sleep. See you later.
[When Cesare leaves, Enzo takes out that very postcard with the picture of Empire Bay. He carefully places it on the nightstand next to the bed.]
ENZO: Out of the mine now, amicu.
1906
CESARE: Look at this place. The backwater of a fucking backwater. You sure this is it?
ENZO: I'm sure. We followed the river all the way down. Just like they said.
CESARE: Minchia! I can smell it already. Hey Enzo, let's turn around, huh? I'm gonna be sick if I go down there...
ENZO: Not a chance. I told you to take it easy last night. And I'm not getting an your uncle's bad side with the mood he's in lately.
CESARE: He's been like that since Spadaro bought Ludovici's share of the mine.
ENZO: What does he care about that?
CESARE: Spadaro gaining power and money upsets the balance. Makes it harder to keep them in check. And my uncle never saw it coming.
WORKER: Another one?
WORKER: Never seen it so busy. Wonder what it's all about.
CESARE: Hey, that's Don Galante's car. Why's he risking his Venetian loafers way our here?
[They arrive at a small villa and approach the house where they are expected.]
LEO: Gentlemen. Fashionably late, as always. Guessing that's not your doing, Enzo.
CESARE: I don't need you breaking my balls today.
LEO: You're right I'll leave that to your uncle You're the last ones here.
ENZO: You know what's going on, Leo?
LEO: I have some idea.
CESARE: And?
LEO: Just wait.
CESARE: Hey Angelo, you want to let us know what's going on?
ANGELO: If you'd got here on time, you'd know already.
CESARE: What was that? What were you doing?
[Enzo enters first. He is greeted by several men, as well as Don Galante and Don Torrisi themselves.]
CESARE: Oh, looks like every bafu in the valley got an invite.
ENZO: So, what are we doing here?
[The assembled men gather around the Dons.]
DON TORRISI: Since Spadaro took over that mine, he's been busy. Turning guardie, leaning on the unions, buying votes. Nibbling away like a rat. This cannot be left unanswered.
DON GALANTE: Tensions are building, it's true. But war... war must be avoided at all costs. Which brings us to a plan. Something between our two families. Something for our future. It's taken preparation and a lot of buona fortuna but now... now it's coming to fruition. Every week ships arrive from America. Every week they go back. That is a direct line to Empire Bay which we have yet to take advantage of. If we do, we can match Spadaro, and have the strength to match him lira for lira...
DON TORRISI: Or bullet for bullet.
LUCA: We already export wine to the mainland. Why not America?
DON GALANTE: Good question. But our friends in the new world have particular tastes. This way. Venite.
[They proceed to a secret room.]
LUCA: What is this?
DON GALANTE: A government currency press. Officially, it was destroyed during the unrest in the East African colony, but unlike the governor, this made it out.
CESARE: You want to print cash? For the Americans?
DON TORRISI: When opportunities arise, you seize them.
DON GALANTE: There's too many eyes and police over there in America. An operation like this would be shut down before it even started. No, our dollars will come from outside. Controlled shipments, ΠΟ suspicion. And in return, the American market opens up to us.
LUCA: Maybe they can't trace them to a local outfit, but would they be good enough?
DON GALANTE: We have enlisted the finest counterfeiter in all of Italy to engrave our printing plates.
DON TORRISI: A Sicilian, but he's been all over. His work has never been detected.
DON GALANTE: His ship came in from Napoli, but he got into an altercation in Porto Almaro. Our man in San Celeste Town Hall tells me he's being held there, by the guardie. We need to free him, before those idioti work out who they really have.
DON TORRISI: Leone, you know the particulars. Take these two, and get it done.
[Leo and Enzo step aside.]
LEO: Alright, let's go.
CESARE: They expect us to break this forger out of the guardie station, just like that?
LEO: We can't leave him there. If they figure out who he is, this whole plan is finished. We have to improvise.
ENZO: Improvise our way through a building full of fucking police?
CESARE: It's risky, Leo. Too risky. We've got to find another forger.
LEO: You want to tell your uncle that? It took months to get this man to Sicily. He's wanted in every city in the country.
ENZO: So what's the plan, Leo? What are these 'particulars'?
LEO: Our man at the town hall is the key. He'll know exactly where the forger's being held. He's waiting for us in the main square in San Celeste. You're going to meet him, Enzo.
CESARE: I'll go. Enzo doesn't know the mal di denti.
LEO: The gaurdie know you. Nobody knows Enzo. He goes.
ENZO: Fine. I'll go. What's our man called?
LEO: We don't know and we won't ask. It's better that way.
ENZO: How do we know who he is?
CESARE: The mal di denti.
ENZO: The what?
CESARE: Don't you know anything? This forger. He got a name?
LEO: Giuseppe Palminteri. Supposed to be the best.
CESARE: Not the best at staying out of jail.
LEO: He got unlucky. Can happen to anybody. You know that.
CESARE: He's going to wish we'd left him in jail when he sees that place. Why did they choose it? That stench!
LEO: Isn't it obvious?
CESARE: Would I ask if it was obvious? Answer me straight for once.
LEO: It's because it stinks. No-one goes there if they don't have to. No bandits, no guardie, nobody. It's perfect.
CESARE: Yeah, a real pezzu di paradisu.
ENZO: So, come on, what's this 'mal di denti'?
CESARE: It's a kind of greeting. It's simple. You walk up and you point to your teeth-
LEO: You point to your incisors.
CESARE: What the fuck are 'incisors'?
LEO: Were you this stupid when we met? They're teeth.
CESARE: I already said 'teeth'. So you point to your teeth and say "Oh! This tooth is killing me!" And he'll point to his and say...
LEO: "This tooth is killing me, too."
CESARE: That's it. Got it?
ENZO: Got it. But... why?
LEO: If you know the mal di denti, you're one of us.
CESARE: If you don't, you're just another strunzu.
LEO: We've got all kinds of things like this, from way back.
CESARE: It's one of the old ways, but it works. Lets you know you re dealing with the right people.
ENZO: Alright but I can't do that to everybody in the square like some pazziu.
LEO: You don't need to. Our contact will be wearing a red waistcoat.
CESARE: The circus in town or something?
LEO: It's disitinctive, which is good for us. You won't be able to miss him.
ENZO: So I get the information about the forger then what?
LEO: Then we work out out next move.
CESARE: This has straight to jail written all over it.
ENZO: I can handle the guardie of San Celeste.
LEO: Don't get complacent. Their new chief's a crusader. Cleared out a a lot of deadwood. He's no fool.
CESARE: This keeps getting better.
LEO: Hey, you see that new sign for the Targa? In the square?
ENZO: The motor race?
CESARE: Yeah. It's going to be big. I read that there are teams from France... even America.
LEO: I don't believe that.
CESARE: Prize money like that brings a lot of interest.
LEO: No. I don't believe you can read.
CESARE: Minchiuni.
CESARE: This is you, Enzo.
[The car stops in San Celeste.]
LEO: Remember our contact is wearing a red waistcoat.
ENZO: And my tooth is killing me. I got it.
LEO: Don't got caught. Meet us at the cafe when you're done.
[They drive away, and Enzo goes to the square.]
TOWNSMAN: That's four in two months.
TOWNSMAN: His best too. Fine animals.
TOWNSMAN: He's taken to sleeping out there with his rifle.
TOWNSMAN: Idiota. He could lose more than a few horses. Hills are full of cutthroats.
[Enzo accidentally meets Isabella in a white dress.]
ENZO: Isabella...
ISABELLA: Look who I bumped into.
VALENTINA: Enzo. Quite the coincidence. I'm sure you have things to be doing. Come, Isabella.
[She has to leave, although she doesn't want to. Enzo enjoys every glance at her. They go to the market located right on the square, where Enzo himself also needs to go.]
ENZO: Alright, looking for a man in a red waistcoat...
[While he searches, pretending to be a scout, the girls are busy with their favorite activity - buying clothes.]
VALENTINA: Your father doesn't care for it.
ISABELLA: Everybody else loves it.
VALENTINA: You love it.
ISABELLA: Not just me, Valentina.
VALENTINA: They'll be sold out by now anyway.
ISABELLA: So we can look?
VALENTINA: We can look.
WORKER: Latest on the strange death of Girolamo Lugovici! Autorities still won't speak!
[Meanwhile, Enzo finds a man in a red vest...]
ENZO: Ah! I have such a pain in this tooth!
MAN: Huh?! Oh. Mine too! Mine... It's killing me.
ENZO: Which tooth?
MAN: Why?! My teeth aren't... Well, they're none of your business! Don't... Don't what... to- Don't tell me what to do!
ENZO: Definitely not the man I'm looking for...
MAN: What's he... Know about my teeth... Should worry about his own...
GUARDIA: Captain says there was a mistake on that report you filed can't be used. Just get a new one written, and have it on my desk by tomorrow morning.
[Enzo approaches the next man dressed in a red vest.]
ENZO: Ah! This tooth is really killing me!
MAN 2: Signore, what do you want? Why are you telling me this? Leave me be.
ENZO: Scusassi, signore. Not him, must be someone else.
TOWNSWOMAN: To think of something like that coming here. Extraordinary.
TARGA PAMPHLET
TARGA SIRAGUSA
The motoring elite arrive in Sicily!
A great prize for the winners!
3rd October 1906
The Valle Dorata’s very first motor race! Race to begin at one o'clock.
Join us at the starting line to cheer on your favorites!
Brought to you by Marquis Siragusa
VELOCITA INTERVIEW
Exclusive Interview with Marquis Siragusa!
Targa organizer gives his thoughts on the upcoming race.
Interviewer: Marquis Siragusa, we are delighted that you chose to host the Targa Siragusa in our beautiful Valle Dorata. Is this your first time here?
Siragusa: Yes, only arrived yesterday. From what I've seen so far, I can certainly say that the valley has rustic charm, and at least the roads are serviceable.
Interviewer: Why did you choose the Valle Dorata for the race?
Siragusa: After many requests from my dear friend Raffaele Fontanella, whom I trusted as a fellow motoring enthusiast and a member of my club. He really was very persistent. Despite all that, I'm happy to bring a little excitement to this humble corner of Sicily.
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite for the race?
Siragusa: It would be wrong of me to endorse a singular driver, you understand. Though I will say Girolamo Restivo has had a very successful year, and I do believe he is one to watch.
TOWNSMAN: Pippo said they're putting on services from Palerino every ten minutes all day.
TOWNSWOMAN: Are they expecting so many?
TOWNSMAN: Oh yes.
[Enzo decides to ask a local merchant.]
ENZO: Ciao. Have you seen a man in a red waistcoat?
VENDOR: Why, is he in trouble?
ENZO: No, he's a friend.
VENDOR: Are you talking about Onofrio? Drinks more of his wine than he sells. His stall is over there, if he hasn't passed out already.
ENZO: Just need to find the man in the red waistcoat. No, not him. Thank you, though.
[He meets an acquaintance.]
ENZO: Flavio. How are things?
FLAVIO: Not too bad, the new tenant down the hall keeps me busy. I had a look at your door yesterday, but I'll need to get a new lock for it.
ENZO: How long will it take?
FLAVIO: About a week. That alright?
ENZO: Not a problem. I need to get going, but thank you for your help.
FLAVIO: Any time. Ciao, Enzo.
ENZO: Scusassi, I'm looking for my friend, have you seen him? He's wearing a red waistcoat.
VENDOR: Red waistcoat? No, I've been busy with customers. Now, are you going to buy anything?
ENZO: No, not today.
VENDOR: Time waster...
[The search continues...]
ENZO: Red waistcoat...
VENDOR: You're Don Torrisi's rider, aren't you? Please, take whatever you like, with my compliments. And... pass on my regards to your patron?
ENZO: Oh. Grazie. I will. While I'm here, have you seen a man in a red waistcoat?
VENDOR: Now that you mention it, I have. That man over there. He's been up and down the stalls all day.
ENZO: Ah, that's not who I'm looking for. Thank you anyway.
[Having already lost hope, Enzo approaches the last man in a red vest at the market.]
ENZO: Ah! This tooth is killing me.
MAN 3: This tooth is killing me too.
ENZO: The man I've been looking for. You can help me find someone. In the guardie station.
THE INFORMANT: You're not wrong.
ENZO: So, what do you know? This is important to Don Torrisi.
THE INFORMANT: Come with me.
VALENTINA: I think that's almost all of it. Now what did you say you needed?
ISABELLA: A new hairpin. I broke my favorite one.
VALENTINA: Mamma mia, Isabella. How did you manage that?
[They go to the police building.]
GUARDIA: Ciao, Antonio. I didn't know you were working today.
THE INFORMANT: Me neither should be at home but do get any thanks?
GUARDIA: Hah! Not in this life.
[They enter the police station, and Enzo notices an important man in a uniform nearby who is talking to someone.]
GUARDIA:...is just the first step, Captain. We still need a way for the wires to go over the-
THE INFORMANT: Wait! Over there. That's the Captain. Careful around him. He's not like the rest of them. Follow my lead when we get inside.
ENZO: Of course.
[They need to pretend to hide the true purpose of Enzo's visit. As they walk around, dozens of policemen are bustling about, busy with their own affairs, and they don't have time to interrogate Enzo in detail.]
GUARDIA: Captain, my duties don't include... I'll see to it, signore.
THE INFORMANT: I'll try to find the ledger for you, signore, but it might take a while. We're in something of a mess.
ENZO: Right. Yes. The ledger.
CLERK: I don't know anything about that. Would you please take a seat? I can't work with you standing over me like that.
CUSTOMER: There's nothing to talk about. I've made my decision.
CUSTOMER: Camillo, please. I don't want you to make a mistake.
GUARDIA: I finished going through it. Where should it be stored?
GUARDIA: How many times do I need to tell you? If you've logged the evidence, it needs to go in a safe.
GUARDIA: Sorry, Lieutenant. I'll get right on it.
THE INFORMANT: They're keeping the prisoners down there, in the old cellar.
ENZO: Our man is in there?
THE INFORMANT: He was this morning.
ENZO: Guards?
THE INFORMANT: Inside? Two. Outside? (whistles)
ENZO: What about at night?
THE INFORMANT: Well, must be fewer than now... You should go now. Before we're noticed.
[Enzo leaves to meet Leo and Cesare and tell them what he found out.]
WORKER: Come on, I didn't do anything!
GUARDIA: Enough! Keep walking.
GUARDIA: Chief said to close the Ludovici file.
GUARDIA: What? Already?
GUARDIA: "Already"? Don't you think we've wasted enough time on it? We have nothing. It's cold.
GUARDIA: Is he talking yet?
GUARDIA: Still denies everything. Can't keep him in much longer, not after Grimaldi withdrew his statement.
GUARDIA: I bet that was the work of his brother. There must be something we can do?
GUARDIA: Not without that statement. Bastaddo will be walking free by the end of the week.
[Enzo exits the police station where Isabella is waiting for him.]
ISABELLA: Enzo, can we talk?
ENZO: Where's Valentina?
ISABELLA: She should be a little while. I've asked her to find me a new hairpin. Useful little things but mine have a habit of breaking. I've missed you. We've hardly seen each other since you left the vineyard.
ENZO: I know. I've tried to get away from the others, but I've been busy with work!
ISABELLA: So busy you haven't even invited me to your apartment yet. Your own place... You must be doing something right.
ENZO: I told you I would make a good impression on your father. Maybe soon, we won't have to hide.
ISABELLA: It would be nice to believe that. For now, I'd settle for an invite.
ENZO: I want you to see it, if I ever get some time alone, but...
ISABELLA: You keep me waiting like this, and I'll have to take matters into hands. You'd better go, your friends are waiting for you. See you later, Enzo.
[He leaves and hears Valentina returning.]
VALENTINA: There you are, I was looking everywhere.
ISABELLA: I didn't mean to worry you. Did you find a hairpin?
[Approaching the café where the meeting is set, Enzo hears the voices of his friends.]
CESARE: Think he did it right? The mal di denti?
LEO: Hopefully went better than your first time.
CESARE: That guy punched me for no reason.
LEO: You told him his teeth were fucked up.
[Enzo approaches closer. Cesare and Leo are sitting in the café. Enzo sits down next to them.]
CAFE MENU
Osteria della Zagara
Delicious food in the heart of the Piazza Garibaldi
Antipasti Prosciutto crudo..................2 lire
Olives.......... 1.20 lire
Caprese Salad...................5 lire
Fritto Misto...................5.60 lire
Mushroom Arancini..............5 lire
Mains Pasta alla Norma ..............5 lire
Pasta con le Sarde..............5.30 lire
Spaghetti ai ricci di mare.......6 lire
Parmigiana di melanzane.....4.50 lire
Caponata..... 4 lire
Dessert Cassate......3 lire
Pistachio Cannoii....1.60 lire
Lemon Cannoii.......1.60 lire
Wine
Glass / Bottle
Torrisi 1890..............2.50 lire......8 lire
Torrisi 1902....................2 lire......6 lire
Conticello White....2.20 lire......7 lire
CESARE: Enzo, how did it go?
ENZO: You my boss now?
CESARE: One day. Better watch that lip.
LEO: So, we're going to go over this again so there are no fuck-ups.
CESARE: As if there would be.
LEO: Hey, there's six months' work on the line here. You want to end up in jail? On the wrong side of your uncle?
CESARE: Alright. Let's hear it.
LEO: Me and my guys have a distraction all lined up. It'll draw D'Amico and plenty of guardie out of there.
ENZO: How do you know it's going to work?
LEO: Because, I take things seriously. You won't miss it, trust me. Once they leave, Enzo goes in, gets our man out. Do it quietly. We don't need complications.
ENZO: Yeah, right.
LEO: I'll be waiting with a car. Cesare, you keep an eye on him from outside. Any danger you raise the alarm. If things take a turn, do what you have to do.
[He hands Enzo a handkerchief.]
CESARE: The fuck is this?
LEO: What did I say? Enough fooling around.
CESARE: Alright...
LEO: You've fucked half this town and conned most of the others. You can't be seen! And unless Enzo wants a twenty year trip to Ucciardone, neither can he.
ENZO: We won't be, we'll be careful.
LEO: Be smart, will you?
ENZO: Come on, better look over the exits again.
[They get up from the table.]
MIDNIGHT
[Cesare and Enzo, with bandanas over their faces, approach the police station. An agitated policeman runs up to the guard at the door.]
OFFICER: Guardie! The Messina gang. They've struck again! The Messina gang! Presto!
CESARE: This must be it.
ENZO: Let's go.
[The policemen drive away to the sound of a bell signaling an alarm.]
CESARE: This must be it.
ENZO: Let's go.
CESARE: That took care of most of them. Alright. Good luck, Enzo.
[They quietly sneak towards the entrance of the police station.]
GUARDIA: Vita! What are you doing out here? What the Hell was all that noise?
GUARDIA: Bandit attack. They're saying it's Messina.
GUARDIA: Minchia! That old fox has balls, I'll give him that.
GUARDIA: He'll need them. Chief is spoiling for a fight. Took half the men.
GUARDIA: How many times have you been sent here?
GUARDIA: To Sicily? Three. Once in Palermo. Twice here. And relax! You're making me nervous!
GUARDIA: Sorry. Sorry.
GUARDIA: Nobody is going to attack us. Certainly not some damn bandits.
GUARDIA: Have you faced any? Bandits, I mean...
GUARDIA: A long time ago. And a long way from here, so no need to be so twitchy.
GUARDIA: I'm just keeping an eye on the compound.
GUARDIA: You don't need to act tough with me. I was as nervous as you when I first got assigned to this shithole.
[Enzo carefully circles the building where there is the least guard presence and knocks out or distracts those he encounters.]
GUARDIA: D'Amico won't let you near the trucks again once he hears about your little accident.
GUARDIA: Good thing he won't hear about it then. Will he? Geraci will fix it before he gets back.
GUARDIA: Better hope Messina puts up a fight then.
GUARDIA: So, what's your take on the guy with the plates? Think someone's printing here, in the valley?
GUARDIA: If you ask me, we were just a stop on his way to somewhere bigger.
GUARDIA: Didn't expect to be checked. Shows confidence. He's a professional, alright.
GUARDIA: Can't 'just fix it', can I? Can't 'just fix it' if it's stripped bare.
[Finally, Enzo finds where the station's jail is located.]
PRISONER: Figgh'i jarrusa! Get the Captain down here.
GUARDIA: Shut up!
PRISONER: Don't you know who I am?!
GUARDIA: I said shut up!
PRISONER: Hey!
GUARDIA: I told you to shut up. Lla na mazzari!
[Enzo sneaks up on him and puts him on the floor with a chokehold.]
PRISONER: Bedda matri! What have you done?! That was a guardia!
ENZO: Giuseppe?
GIUSEPPE: Over here.
ENZO: Let's get you out of there.
GIUSEPPE: Grazie. Let's go. You have my plates?
ENZO: Plates?
GIUSEPPE: Printing plates. For the press.
ENZO: Nobody told me about any plates.
GIUSEPPE: In my bag. Taken when I was arrested.
[In the same jail, Enzo meets an unexpected acquaintance.]
L'OMBRA: Let me out too, boy.
ENZO: You look fine right where you are.
L'OMBRA: Huh. I know you? Feels like you know me.
GIUSEPPE: Leave him. Let's get out of here. Now!
L'OMBRA: I'll be out soon enough. Maybe I'll come pay you and Giuseppe a visit.
ENZO: Stay here until I get back. Understood?
GIUSEPPE: As you wish. Good luck.
[Enzo goes in search of the press plates.]
EMPLOYEE MEMO
06.05.1906
URGENT REMINDER
Collection and inspection will take place this Friday morning. Our colleagues from Naples will be arriving at eight sharp.
It is your responsibility to ensure all evidence due to be collected is secured in the new safes, as per previous instruction.
I hope we have all learned since the last inspection that sensitive information should not be left out on desks, or in common areas. This is why our filing system exists.
Another inspection failure will be taken extremely seriously.
If you have any questions about the logging of evidence or the handling of files, see me directly.
Major D’Amico
ARREST RECORD - UNKNOWN MALE
Corpo Reale di Polizia - Valle Dorata Arrest Record
Date of Arrest: 06.05.1906
Name: Unknown
Age: Unknown - perhaps in his 30s
Sex: Male
Height: 179 cm
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Offense: Possession of counterfeiting materials. Refusal to comply with the arresting officer. The offender was apprehended at the Porto Almaro docks at eight o'clock in the evening by officer Amelio Barresi. He was traveling alone from Napoli. When performing routine searches, he was pulled aside to have his case checked. When he refused, suspicions were raised and he became increasingly aggressive. Another officer, Liborio Fresta, managed to deescalate the situation.
When the case was inspected, they discovered printing plates amongst his belongings. The plates (which have been manufactured to print dollars), have been logged and secured in a safe, pending collection this week.
GUARDIA: You look like you're still half asleep, Davino! Sharpen up or you'll be sorry.
GUARDIA: Sì, Caporale!
GUARDIA: I don't care how you did things in Sardinia. In this unit you will toe the line or you will deal with me. Do I make myself clear?
GUARDIA: Sì, Caporale!
GUARDIA: Present yourself to me after watch with a clean weapon and a better attitude or your night will get a lot worse, I promise you that.
GUARDIA: Si, Caporale!
D’AMICO'S OBSERVATIONS Main persons of interest:
Ruggero Spadaro - Guards at the mine have been involved in several crimes across the valley. Spadaro himself only implicated once by name, the informant was never heard from again. Did the sect get rid of him?
Santo Di Gristina - Took over his farm from Signor Fazio. Fazio claims Santo was threatening and stealing from him, but the money was never found.
Vincenzo Lorenzetti - Investigations on him drew nothing - perhaps an associate, not deeply involved?
Leone Galante - Knows everyone, likes to gamble. Officers at the docks have smuggling suspicions. Often seen with Luca Trapani - works for Bernardo Torrisi. Deliveries or something more?
Officer Calzaghe - Reports from the impound yard point to illegal activities. Too many thefts on his watch. Look into his background.
Bernardo Torrisi - Wealth beyond his vineyard. Well-known as a strike breaker in the 1890s. Clean record, unlike his friend Agostino. Not a single person has anything to say about him.
Ludovici case - Murder? Sending a message. Who was involved? Has connections with Baron Fontanella and Ruggero Spadaro. Nothing concrete to point to them.
ARREST RECORD - CORRADO BASTONI
Corpo Reale di Polizia - Valle Dorata Arrest Record
Date of Arrest: 02.05.1906
Name: Corrado Bastoni
Age: 27
Sex: Male
Height: 183 cm
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Offense: Attempted theft, assault. Bastoni was arrested at four in the afternoon at the Grimaldi Antique shop after the owner Alcei Grimaldi called for help in the piazza. According to Grimaldi, Bastoni was caught pocketing a watch, worth eighty lire, by Grimaldi’s son, Riccardo, who confronted him.
Bastoni became aggressive and started to fight Riccardo, leaving his face bloodied and swollen. Officers found Bastoni assaulting Riccardo inside the shop, where they separated the men and arrested Bastoni.
ARREST RECORD - ENNIO SALIERI
Corpo Reale di Polizia - Valle Dorata Arrest Record
Date of Arrest: 11.07.1905
Name: Ennio Salieri
Age: 21
Sex: Male
Height: 181 cm
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Offense: Detained on the Palermo road in possession of untaxed American whiskey, concealed in grain sacks. Claims to have purchased the contraband in good faith from an unnamed fellow on the side of the road.
Released after a visit from his lawyer, one Sig. Colletti, who arrived unexpectedly and accused the chief of depriving Salieri of his right to counsel.
Remarks: Salieri is regularly seen visiting with known smugglers in Porto Almaro (Galante, Vinci, et al.), and is suspected of criminal conspiracy.
AUTHORIZATION REQUEST
Dear Colonel de Rossi,
I am concerned by your recent letter denying further resources for my investigation into a suspected criminal cult in the Valle Dorata.
If your refusal has anything to do with my capabilities, or lack of evidence, rest assured that I am gathering critical, damning information and I am fully prepared to assign a team to further investigate.
I have uncovered connections between criminals in the valley, in neighboring towns, cities and even abroad. The scale of the conspiracy is worse than many suspect.
I will prove my suspicions in court, providing the judges ever bring my cases to trial.
If you had witnessed some of the horrific scenes I've been called to, you would know this sect is a very real threat. The Ludovici case is just one example.
I urge you to reconsider, before control is lost to these scoundrels.
Major D’Amico
MONTHLY REMINDERS
Key Actions - May Combination changed - 02-19-62
Inspection and collection - 9th May Print and hand out employee memos.
Dinner with Major Grasso - 10th May Arrange a gift for the Naples garrison - Torrisi wine?
Inspection review - 13th May Dismiss Marino end of day if no improvement.
Meeting with Mayor Chiavetta - 19th May Remember notes on the sect.
San Celeste residents’ meeting - 25th May
[Opening the captain's safe, Enzo takes the plates and hears the raised alarm. He has been discovered.]
GUARDIA: Shit! Check the Captain's office!
GUARDIA: How did they get inside?!
GUARDIA: There's an intruder! Search everywhere!
[Enzo fights his way outside.]
CESARE: So much for doing this quietly! My uncle's going to kill us!
ENZO: Not if we're behind bars, he won't!
CESARE: He'll find a way, trust me. That must be our guy! We need to get this done, now!
GIUSEPPE: Cristo... What took you so long?!
CESARE: Merda! There's more of them!
GIUSEPPE: What are you doing?! They're still out there!
CESARE: They just don't stop!
ENZO: It's almost like it's their job! Giuseppe! We need to move!
GIUSEPPE: Did you get my plates?
ENZO: Yes, come on! Get to the car!
[Having gotten over the fence, Enzo realizes that a chase is unavoidable.]
ENZO: Go. Get out of here!
[Enzo himself locks the gates with a large beam that was standing nearby... but when he turns around, D'Amico himself is already pointing a pistol at him. He is a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a mustache, in a military uniform that speaks of extensive combat experience.]
MAJOR D'AMICO: Stop. Turn around. Slowly.
[Enzo knocks the pistol out of D'Amico's hands, and he pulls out a knife.]
MAJOR D'AMICO: You've made a grave mistake here, boy.
MAJOR D'AMICO: I'll get that mask off, then I'll have all I need to know.
ENZO: Need to get to it first.
MAJOR D'AMICO: Too easy! The bravado, the swagger. I've seen it a thousand times. Doesn't last in jail, let me tell you.
[However, Enzo manages to wound the combat officer several times.]
MAJOR D'AMICO: No! That's it?! You're too slow! Masking your face. Hiding in the shadows like a rat. You men are a plague. You have no honor. No creed. You're no match for a real soldier.
[D'Amico overpowers Enzo, approaches him, and is about to slit his throat when suddenly Leo and Cesare's car pulls up. They point their pistols at D'Amico, and he retreats with his hands raised.]
LEO: You have them? (Enzo nods) Then let's get out of here.
[They drive away, leaving D'Amico bewildered.]
ENZO: Minchia... What now?
LEO: Now we get you home, and you lay low.
CESARE: What about us?!
LEO: We take Giuseppe to the tannery and keep him out of sight.
CESARE: The tannery? We'll be lucky to make it out of town!
LEO: I make my own luck, you know that. Just stick to the plan and we'll get out of this. We need to go. Get inside, Enzo, and keep your head down, alright?
[They drop Enzo off at his villa, and he, walking away, still hears their voices as they drive off.]
GIUSEPPE: Did you say tannery? I was promised a hotel....
CESARE: Ach, you'll love it. It's like a hotel, just... worse. In every way you can think of.
[Approaching the house, he hears someone's shout and pulls out his pistol, preparing for the worst.]
ENZO: What was that? Minchia...
[The door to his room is open with a hairpin. After inspecting the room, he sees Isabella and exhales.]
ISABELLA: A little color in here wouldn't hurt, don't you think? Got tired of waiting for an invitation.
ENZO: Oh, you took matters into your own hands?
ISABELLA: Sometimes you need to reach out and take something. If you want it.
ENZO: You know what happens if someone sees you here.
ISABELLA: And yet here I am.
[They kiss passionately. Enzo takes her hands.]
ENZO: You're taking a risk. You know what I am.
ISABELLA: And I know who you are. Even if you don't. You're not like the others. All my life, I've been alone. Waiting for something to change, for somebody who could make the world different. For that I'd risk everything. I've told you what I want, Enzo. Now it's your turn.
[He kisses Isabella passionately again, and this time it's not limited to just a kiss. Some time passes, possibly quite a long time. The Torrisi family has already set up a pipeline for supplying wine with counterfeit 50 US dollar bills.]
LEO: Gentlemen! You're a lot easier on the eyes when I know you come bearing gifts. Production's really moving, eh?
CESARE: Everything's golden. The system works. It's hidden, quiet, nobody goes near the place. It's like it isn't even there.
LEO: Beautiful. And long may that continue.
ENZO: And your side of things?
LEO: So far, like clockwork. From here to Empire Bay, we have someone at every link in the chain. And what we've started getting in return? And what we've started getting in return? Oof!
[He signals the loaders to unload the crates.]
LEO: Picciotti, vai! (to Enzo and Cesare) Follow me.
ENZO: They sent all this?
LEO: That's not even the half of it.
CESARE: Madone...
[He takes out a beautiful and probably very powerful rifle.]
LEO: 'Made in America'! There's more.
ENZO: Oh, minchiuni!
LEO: Here, try these.
[He tosses him a carton of Big Break cigarettes with a girl on each pack.]
ENZO: Empire Bay are really holding up their end, huh?
LEO: Should hope so. We're sending them enough. This is just the start. There are mountains of cash for us to make here. And some fun to be had, too. Come take a look at something. Hey, andiamo! Come on.
[They approach three posters advertising the Targa Siragusa race.]
LEO: See that? That prize money's going to be ours.
CESARE: You get kicked in the head? That's the Targa Siragusa. We can't win it. We can't even enter.
LEO: I'll get us into that race.
ENZO: How?
CESARE: No chance. What are we going to drive, anyway? The delivery truck?
LEO: I was thinking we could drive... that.
[A car towing a stylish race car on a flexible hitch drives up to them.]
CESARE: Bedda Matri! That's a Carozella! Where did you get this?!
LEO: It's like I said, our American friends have been making connections for us.
CESARE: Wait...
CESARE: With who? A firing squad? These are bullet holes, Leo!
LEO: Have some vision! So it needs work. Nothing Pasquale can't handle.
CESARE: Pasquale? Maybe. Maybe. Still doesn't get us into the race.
LEO: First, let's drop the car off then we can see about getting ourselves into the Targa.
CESARE: I'll drive the Carozella!
LEO: Go ahead. Even you can't crash a car with no engine.
CESARE: What do you know about driving, Leo?
LEO: I know nobody's safe when you do it.
[Enzo gets behind the wheel of the car towing the race car.]
LEO: We're heading to Pasquale's new place. I'll show you the way.
CESARE: Hey Enzo! Take a easy! This thing is about to all apart!
LEO: If it shut him up. I wouldn't even mind.
ENZO: This new place, it's the gasoline stand I've been hearing about?
LEO: Gasoline station, but yeah. An initiative between the families.
ENZO: What do we want with something like that?
LEO: Money. Pumped gas is the future and we've got the only pump this side of Palermo. You want gas, you're coming to us.
ENZO: Right.
LEO: And that goes for every driver in the race, too.
ENZO: Right.
LEO: Makes you think. What if, on race day, Pasquale makes a mistake?
ENZO: A mistake?
LEO: Yeah. What if he - I don't know - fills some gas tanks with water?
ENZO: Couldn't hurt our chances.
[A race car zooms past them at twice their speed.]
ENZO: Mizzica, he's fast! How are we going to win against drivers like that?
LEO: Being fast isn't everything.
ENZO: It's a race, Leo.
LEO: It's an endurance race. You need to be fast and avoid trouble. Crashes... Breakdowns... Mistakes... A lot can happen. Especially to the other teams. It's just up here, Enzo. On the left.
ENZO: I see it.
CESARE: Enzo, slow down. The yard is up ahead. On the left.
ENZO: Grazie! Here we are. All good back there?
CESARE: No thanks to you! I don't know how you can complain about my driving.
PASQUALE: Was starting to think you wouldn't show up.
CESARE: Brought you a little gift.
PASQUALE: You said a few scratches, Leone. Looks like it's been used for target practice.
CESARE: I knew he couldn't handle it. It's a Carozella, not a horse-cart.
PASQUALE: Insolente. If it's a machine, I can fix it.
LEO: Have faith, amicu. Leave him to it. We have things to discuss.
ENZO: How do we get an entry into this thing? Can't win a race we're not in.
LEO: I have a plan, but I'll need some help. Enzo, can you meet me in San Celeste tonight?
ENZO: I can be there. What do you need from me?
LEO: All in good time. Just make sure you bring your camera.
QUALIFICATION
[In the evening, Leo and Enzo are waiting for someone in the night city. A car appears in the distance.]
LEO: It's time. This is him.
ENZO: So who is that?
LEO: Marquis Siragusa.
ENZO: Siragusa? Like Targa Siragusa?
LEO: That's the one. He organized it. Chose the course. Even put up the prize money.
ENZO: Right. So we're getting a photograph of him with the girls?
LEO: A man like him - a family man, church benefactor - will do anything to keep a photo like that from getting out.
ENZO: Like giving up a spot in the race.
LEO: Among other things. You just need a vantage point with a view of the action.
[They approach a prostitute in a blue dress with a beige shawl draped over her shoulders.]
CONCETTA: You're late, Leone.
LEO: Concetta! You're as beautiful as always. Who are they?
CONCETTA: Don't know but they're not here for fun.
ENZO: Bodyguards?
LEO: Must be. How many?
CONCETTA: Four. Two got here an hour ago. The other two, up there, arrived with your friend.
LEO: Which room is he in?
CONCETTA: That one.
LEO: Hm. Enzo, you'll need to go through that passage over there to get up to the vantage point. Find a way past these men, either up the stairs on the left or through the courtyard. I'll help if I can.
[While Enzo tries to approach the gate from the other side, Leo distracts the guard.]
LEO: My friend! My friend! How would you like a whole carton of American cigarettes? I could do you a great price.
SECURITY: No.
LEO: Come on. You can see the quality. I'm an honest man.
SECURITY: You're selling tobacco through the gate at a brothel.
[Enzo chokes the guard, and he loses consciousness.]
LEO: Good, now get a move on.
[Enzo continues to search for a way onto the roof.]
PROSTITUTE: You're here with Leo?
ENZO: How did you know?
PROSTITUTE: You're not one of them. Head upstairs.
ENZO: Grazie.
CONCETTA: You can get a good view of him from the balcony.
ALFREDO'S LOVE LETTER
My darling Rosaria,
You're the best I’ve ever had.
I'd marry you in a heartbeat,
But the Lord will not allow it.
Our love is reserved for Saturday nights
And Thursdays, after Mass,
When my wife visits her sister.
Yours forever,
Alfredo
P.S. Next time, make sure Angelica is also free. Not Lolita though.
She can deny it all she likes, but my wallet was lighter!
ENZO: Perfetto.
[He comes out onto a balcony from where the Marquis can be heard.]
THE MARQUIS: She didn't lie. You're a sight to behold. Turn around and let me see.
ENZO: Merda! Need to get around to the other side.
CHASING SHADOWS
1st October, 1906
D’AMICO’S CRACKDOWN LOSES MOMENTUM
After a promising start in his role as police chief, Major Ettore D'Amico has recently been criticized by San Celeste’s mayor, Stefano Chiavetta, for being ‘ineffective’ and ‘out of his depth.’
At a town council meeting, Mayor Chievetta spoke passionately about how he felt D’Amico had ‘failed the people of the Valle Dorata’ by doing little to curb crime in the region. Chiavetta urged D'Amico to focus on tackling bandits in the country, and spend less time ‘chasing shadows’ - a reference to D’Amico’s campaign against alleged organized crime networks in the area.
D’Amico refused to give comment on these criticisms.
LEO: Hurry up, will you? Meet me down here when you're done.
[Choosing a better angle, Enzo photographs the Marquis with two prostitutes through the window.]
THE MARQUIS: You're both terrible... Mmm... Completely irredeemable.
PROSTITUTE: I can only offer my most humble apologies, signore.
THE MARQUIS: And you’re no better. A dirty girl, laying hands on a man of my stature. It’s an outrage.
PROSTITUTE: I can't help myself.
ENZO: Time to go. I've seen enough.
[He leaves but can still hear voices coming from the window.]
PROSTITUTE: I can't help myself, signore.
THE MARQUIS: You can't, can you? Wretched creature. Enough of these games. Untie me.
LEO: Took your time.
ENZO: Next time, you climb on the damned roof and take the dirty pictures.
LEO: Anyway, that gets us in the race. The Marquis will be more than happy to grant our request when I show him this.
ENZO: Not that I don't trust Pasquale but, in that car, the odds are against us.
LEO: They are. Which is good for my books.
ENZO: Only if we win.
LEO: Have a little belief, eh? By the way, I hear the French teams are shipping their cars through Genoa.
ENZO: Makes sense.
LEO: It does. Although there are rumors of a dock worker strike. Cargo could get stuck there for weeks.
ENZO: That would be a shame. (chickles)
LEO: Wouldn't it just?
THE MARQUIS: I told you to untie me. Do it now!
[A car pulls up for Leo.]
LEO: Ah, here's Franco with my ride home. Get some rest, busy day tomorrow. We'll see if you drive as well as you ride.
TEST DRIVE
[Finally, the race car is ready for the race! Enzo sits at the wheel, dressed in a typical racing suit of the time, including a helmet and goggles. They are standing at the station waiting for the train.]
CESARE: It'll be here any second. You better be ready.
ENZO: You really think this thing can beat a train?
CESARE: Let's find out. Here we go. Let's see if Pasquale's worked his magic. Race the train!
ENZO: Why did I let you talk me into this?
CESARE: Come on. Ready? Here it is! Drive, Enzo!
[During the race, something happens, and black smoke rolls under the wheels. The car swerves but stays on the road.]
ENZO: Minchia.
[Enzo still manages to overtake the train.]
LEO: Maria... that was fast.
ENZO: This thing can really move, but it still needs work.
LEO: Let's get her back to Pasquale.
[He gets into the passenger seat, and they drive to the mechanic.]
ENZO: Why did you pick Cesare to navigate?
LEO: It was the only way to keep him out of the driver's seat. Why you want somebody else?
ENZO: No. I trust him.
LEO: And he trusts you. That's why it's you two in the car. And lucky for us, he'll be the be navigator in the race.
ENZO: The best?
LEO: The other only get about a week to practice here. He's lived here his whole life. He knows the course better than any of them.
ENZO: All down to my driving then.
LEO: That and a little luck.
[They arrive at the mechanic's.]
PASQUALE: She's a fiery one, no?
ENZO: Fiery enough. She sounds unhappy though.
PASQUALE: I know the type. Let me take a look.
[All three stand at a small table discussing further actions.]
LEO: Enzo, Cesare, let's go over the plan. So, as expected, the marquis was more than happy to register us in the race.
CESARE: What a gentleman.
ENZO: Not from what I saw.
LEO: He served his purpose. You happy with the car?
ENZO: When it runs smoothly.
LEO: Leave that to Pasquale. Focus on the driving. And listen to Cesare. He'll tell what's around each corner.
CESARE: You hear that Enzo? You need to listen to me.
ENZO: Minchiuni. So what about these shortcuts? Where are they?
LEO: I'll have girls waiting to mark them out, here. Watch for them. Cesare, you too. They'll give you an edge.
ENZO: Cheating always does.
LEO: Hey, you want a sporting contest, go play bocce. I want that prize money.
CESARE: That makes two of us.
ENZO: I don't have a problem with that.
RACE DAY
[Race day arrives. The stands are full of spectators, the cars are lined up at the starting line.]
CESARE: Leo's plan better work.
ENZO: He's says everything's ready, so it's ready.
[Among the guests are also il Merlo and his brother L'ombre. They are a bit nervous. The Don, Leo, and Isabella are sitting on the other side of the stands.]
DON TORRISI: It's some machine they've put together.
LEO: Not going to be as fast as the visitors. But it's the driver who wins races, not the car.
DON GALANTE: The noise, the noise!
LEO: You won't be complaining when you're counting your winnings.
CESARE: This has to be the drive of your life.
ENZO: You just keep me me right.
ISABELLA: Forza Cesare! Forza Enzo!
LUCA: Hey, you lose, you're both on stable duty for a month!
[The race begins! Everyone drives off, but our bandits' car stalls...]
ENZO: Minchia! Vai, vai, vai!
CESARE: Pasquale! Pezzu di merda!
[He runs up to start the engine with the crank starter.]
CESARE: Great start!
ENZO: It's about how you finish. Come on!
[They join the race!]
CESARE: There's a right turn after that arch, Enzo. And it's fucking tight. Alright, get your foot down now. No surprises for a while.
CESARE: Switch back left up there. Really tricky. Once we're out of town, it's easy. Open her up. Show Pasquale what you can do! We're making good time. Enzo! Keep it up!
[They catch up to the last driver in the race.]
CESARE: Yes! Well taken, Enzo! There's a rough left turn down there at the markers. Take it easy. Down there! See that bridge? There's a right turn hiding behind it. Come on, Enzo, amuni! Even Leo could drive these roads! Nice driving! We might win this thing! That's how you drive! Keep pushing! Tight turns to go around those rocks. Right then left. Look, Leo's girls! Keep it up! That prize money is ours! You can push it right through Collezolfo. Rattle their fucking windows. The next part is like Francesca - lot of curves but real easy. We're making good time, Enzo! Keep it up! We're going right over that bridge. Pretty sharp. Don't fuck it up. Lots of turns through the trees. Nothing you can't handle. This next bit's easy. You could drive it blind drunk. Believe me. Really hard left then a right. Watch out. Even I've crashed back there, once or twice. Even I've crashed back there once or twice. Left over that hill. Mizzica! Go right! The riverbed! Right! Right! Vafanculu!
[They drive down into a small river.]
ENZO: Minchia!
CESARE: That didn't sound good. Minchiuni! Be more careful!
ENZO: Cchi minchia e? No power!
CESARE: Hold on. I'll take a look.
ENZO: Make it quick. She's dying.
CESARE: Hold her steady, Enzo!
ENZO: What do you think I'm trying to do?! Just hurry up.
CESARE: Fuel line. It's loose.
CESARE: Yeah just need to- Agh! Figgh'i buttana! It's red hot!
ENZO: You want me to stop?
CESARE: No, no, no. I've got it. Arghh! Come on!
ENZO: You hurt.
CESARE: Nah. I'm alright. I'm alright. Let's win this thing. We can get back on the course up there! Right, Enzo. Right!
ENZO: We lost a lot of gas...
CESARE: We got enough to finish?
ENZO: Don't know.
CESARE: Yes! Well taken, Enzo! Long hard left after the markers. Sharp right after the arch! Watch out! That's how you drive! Keep pushing! Alright, you can get your fool down here. We need to make up some time. There's a wide left then it's a hard right them a really night left. Got it? That's Restivo up ahead! Get him Enzo, come on! Pedal to the floor. Not far now! Nice driving! We might win this thing! Minchia! Don't let him get ahead. We're so close! Three switchbacks coming up. Right, left, right. We're almost done, Enzo! We're going to make it! We're making good time. Enzo! Keep too. Minchia! Take it easy! She's a delicate machine!
[At the last minute, they manage to pull ahead and win.]
WINNER'S CIRCLE
[A big feast takes place to celebrate the victory. Many are already quite drunk, but Enzo is quite sober.]
CESARE: Hey Enzo! Where's the photographer? I want to get a photo.
ENZO: Forget it. He's passed out.
CESARE: How are we supposed to mark the occasion?! Not every day you beat the world's richest idiots.
ENZO: What about your cousin? Doesn't she take photographs?
CESARE: Yeah! I think I saw her with Leo. Go fetch her will you?
ENZO: Alright.
CESARE: Meet you at the car.
LUCA: The fastest man in Sicily!
ENZO: Luca! Valentina!
LUCA: You drive well, for a carusu.
ENZO: I had a lot of help from Cesare.
VALENTINA: You two boys bring out the best in each other.
LUCA: And the worst!
VALENTINA: Don't make fun of the boy, my love.
LUCA: He knows I'm playing! You did us proud, Enzo. Yet again. Now stop wasting your time talking to us. Go have a good time.
VALENTINA: Yes, Enzo, go. Find yourself a girl.
[Enzo approaches a group of heavily drunk members of Don Torrisi's family.]
ANGELO: Enzo!
ENZO: You three having a good time?
ROBERTO: You bet. Fat pockets and free drinks. What's not to like?
ENRICO: The smell.
ROBERTO: There's no smell!
ROBERTO: He's like this every time he pulls guard duty at the tannery. Thinks the smell sticks to him.
ANGELO: He's right that it stinks though.
ENZO: There are worse places to work, I promise you that. And it's making us rich.
ROBERTO: You two should listen and stop complaining. I'd rather be a stinking rich man than a sweet-smelling pauper.
ENZO: Here's to that. And, Enrico, maybe you could try washing once in a while.
[He approaches the table of Tino and both Dons.]
TINO: It's a damned circus. I told them to stay away from it but they saw an opportunity so this farce continues. It seems fortune favored you again.
ENZO: It favored the whole family.
TINO: Fortune is fickle. Do not mistake it for your friend.
ENZO: I'm no stranger to bad luck.
TINO: I've known that since the day you showed up, carusu.
ENZO: Enjoy your evening, Tino.
[He turns to the Dons.]
ENZO: Don Torrisi. Don Galante.
DON TORRISI: You drove us to victory today. That means a payday for everyone.
ENZO: Grazie, Don Torrisi.
DON TORRISI: It also means attention. On you and on the family.
ENZO: I... We covered our tracks-
DON GALANTE: But not your face. A face many already knew. Tell me, Enzo, do you want to be famous?
ENZO: No, Don Galante.
DON TORRISI: Good. We have no use for famous men. Remember that. Next time, you talk to me first. Directly. U capisti?
ENZO: Yes. Thank you. Don Torrisi, Don Galante...
TOWNSMAN: Straight-line speed isn't everything.
GALANTE MAFIOSO: No, but you can't tell me it doesn't help.
TOWNSMAN: I'm not. I'm saying that, on these roads, it's a navigator's race. Knowing the turns is more important than engine size.
FRANCO: Whole island's lost its mind.
ENZO: Leo, can you-
LEO: Enzo! Let me introduce Giuliano Bertone and Elio Tricoli. Friends of ours from Empire Bay.
ENZO: Empire Bay? We have you to thank for the car?
AMERICAN MAFIOSO: Eh, we move a lot of cars. My memory gets hazy.
LEO: Ours too. Right, Enzo?
ENZO: Don't remember any car. Listen, Leo, we're taking a photo. Have you seen Signorina Torrisi?
LEO: She was with her friend. Don't know where they went.
ENZO: I'll see you by the car, alright?
LEO: Gentlemen. I'll leave you to it.
AMERICAN MAFIOSO: Alright. Don't forget what we talked about.
LEO: When have I ever let you down? It's already in hand.
GALANTE MAFIOSO: When's the next shipment?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Week after next. Why? You running out?
ENZO: You having fun, Franco?
FRANCO: Fun. Right.
ENZO: I'm guessing Leo cut you in on the action?
FRANCO: You don't need to worry about me.
ENZO: Right. Good talking to you.
[He goes down to the pier.]
GALANTE MAFIOSO: Lucky really. Could never have happened if the French had been able to enter.
PROSTITUTE: Oh, is that right?
GALANTE MAFIOSO: Oh yeah. People think the Americans make the fastest cars but it's the French, and theirs are more reliable.
PROSTITUTE: Is that so?
GALANTE MAFIOSO: Oh yeah. Drivers are first rate, too. Probably the best in the world.
PROSTITUTE: You don't say.
[She seems maximally uninterested in the topic of cars... nearby, Enzo finds Giuseppe smoking a pipe.]
GIUSEPPE: Enzo! I didn't even know you could drive.
ENZO: Giuseppe. How's life in the basement?
GIUSEPPE: Eh, better than jail. Hey, I meant to ask you. In the other cell - the night you broke me out - Who was that? The big vadduni?
ENZO: Corrado Bastoni. In the flesh.
GIUSEPPE: That was L'Ombra? Bedda Matri, he's even uglier than his brother.
ENZO: Doesn't seem possible, does it? He's dangerous but not so smart. The Don's got the measure of him.
GIUSEPPE: I'll drink to that.
[Finally, Enzo meets his beloved but tries not to give himself away in front of others.]
ENZO: Signorina Torrisi. Your cousin wants us to take a photo.
ISABELLA: What a celebration, Enzo! Are you enjoying yourself?
ENZO: I am, thank you, Signorina Torrisi.
ISABELLA: I hope you're not drinking too much.
ENZO: I'm not. I don't want to miss any of tonight. I've got a feeling it will only get better.
ISABELLA: Better?
ENZO: Well, it's a special day. Your father's given all the men the night off.
ISABELLA: So nobody's watching the house? Somebody could sneak in during the night. Or sneak out.
ENZO: They could, Signorina Torrisi. Do you think they will?
ISABELLA: Who can say what will happen after dark?
[They approach Cesare, who wanted to take a photo.]
LEO: Stand up straight, Cesare.
CESARE: What? I am!
PASQUALE: Let's get this over with.
ISABELLA: Get together there, closer.
CESARE: Here. You should be holding this.
[He hands Enzo the champion's cup.]
ISABELLA: Alright, get in position then. Don't move. Hold that pose!
PASQUALE: Hurry up!
LEO: Let's get on with it.
[Isabella takes a photo of the happy and merry friends celebrating the victory.]
ISABELLA: Who is it?
TINO: Carusu!
ENZO: Minchia!
[He also jumps out of bed.]
ENZO: Stay in here.
TINO: Carusu! Open up!
[Enzo lets Tino into the room.]
TINO: Never leave me standing on the doorstep. I have to talk, it's urgent.
[He notices women's clothing.]
TINO: Who's here?
ENZO: No-one. Why?
TINO: You have a woman here! Get her out of here.
ENZO: There's nobody.
TINO: Don't lie to me.
ENZO: I said there's nobody!
[He pushes Enzo aside and enters the room... and indeed, there's no one there.]
ENZO: So, what is it?
TINO: My man at the guardie has been told to prepare for a raid of the tannery, today.
ENZO: Merda!
TINO: We have a traitor. You have to get down there now. Warn the men, clear the place out.
[Enzo quickly puts on his shirt and boots.]
ENZO: Who could have talked?
TINO: You leave that to me. There's more than twenty thousand dollars in bills in there. Get everything you can. And don't let the guardie take anyone in. U capisti?
[Enzo nods, and Tino leaves.]
ENZO: Minchia, that was too close... Where did she go?
[He exits his apartment and meets a man sweeping the floor.]
FLAVIO: Ciao, Signor Favara!
ENZO: Can't talk now, Flavio.
VILLAGER: I didn't see but it was late.
VILLAGER: Glad I don't share a wall with him. The hours he keeps!
VILLAGER: Oh... yes I'll tell him. We can both see you at market.
VILLAGER: What?
VILLAGER: Oh. Yes, at market. At market.
ENZO: Need to warn Cesare before all hell breaks loose.
[He gets into the car and drives away quickly.]
ENZO: Andiamo, andiamo! Got to get to the tannery! Fanculo, time's running out to warn Cesare!
[He arrives at the tannery as fast as he could.]
ANGELO: Ciao, Enzo.
ENZO: Where's Cesare?!
ANGELO: He's inside.
ENZO: Angelo, get everybody to the truck and get out of here!
ANGELO: On my way. Enrico, let's go!
ENZO: Roberto, you clear this place out. Leave nothing. U capisti?
ROBERTO: Got it.
ENZO: Don't get caught!
ROBERTO: Never do.
ENZO: Cesare! Someone talked. The guardie are on their way. We've got to clear this place out!
CESARE: Bedda Matri! How long?
ENZO: Anytime now.
CESARE: Go find Giuseppe. I'll get the money!
ENZO: Cesare, me and you are going down there. We're going to get our people out.
CESARE: Right behind you.
ENZO: Looks like they're heading for the tannery.
CESARE: Merda! The forger's down there!
ENZO: And the press. We're fucked if they find that hidden room.
CESARE: What about the money? In the scraping room.
ENZO: We'll try and get that, too.
CESARE: Which motherless sucaminchia talked?
ENZO: Don't know. Tino is looking for them.
CESARE: He's as good as dead.
ENZO: Get what they deserve.
[However, the trucks with policemen have already arrived... Enzo hides behind a fence.]
ENZO: Merda...
MAJOR D'AMICO: Leave no stone unturned. Seize everything. Round up every conspirator you find.
[He approaches the cab of the truck where the traitor is sitting...]
MAJOR D'AMICO: Suppose the stench doesn't bother you? This information had better be sound.
L'OMBRA: You'll see. Torrisi had this going on right under your nose, and you never would've found it.
ENZO: Figgh'i buttana...
MAJOR D'AMICO: Hey! Remember your place.
[L'ombra sharply pulls the Major's hand away.]
MAJOR D'AMICO: The agreement stands, but get in my way, and I'll haul you in with the rest.
L'OMBRA: Soon as I find the reward we agreed on, I'll be gone and away.
CESARE: He's after the cash. I'll take care of it. You warn the men, and find the forger.
[He leaves, crouching, trying to be quiet.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Psst! Psssst! Hey, Enzo. In here. L'Ombra was here! I saw him with the guardie!
ENZO: I know. Rat brought them right to us.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Fucking surgi!
ENZO: We'll deal with him later. Have you seen the forger?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He was down at the tannery working the press last I saw him.
ENZO: Alright. Go. Get out of here.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Good luck, Enzo.
GUARDIA: Those people look like mafiosi to you?
GUARDIA: It's a good result but I still have the feeling we're being used.
GUARDIA: What do you mean?
GUARDIA: The chief's informant. The one with the eye. He look like an upstanding citizen to you?
GUARDIA: Ha! Not a chance. So we used a small crook to catch a bigger one. Still a win in my book.
[Picking the lock, Enzo gets into a shed where one of the workers is hiding.]
ENZO: Where's the forger?
WORKER: Working on the press, I think. Down in the tannery.
ENZO: Grazie. Now get out of here before more show up.
[He continues to move stealthily through the tannery, eavesdropping on the policemen's conversations.]
GUARDIA: Alright, stay sharp. We're not done here yet.
GUARDIA: There's two that need checking on the far side of the compound. We've been tasked with those.
GUARDIA: Got it.
GUARDIA: Hey, who was that with the chief? Big, ugly creature.
GUARDIA: Civilian informant. Goes by the name of L'Ombra. Scumbag from the mines. Useful though.
GUARDIA: L'Ombra? What kind of name is that?
[In the basement, one of the Don's men almost kills him.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Cristo! Thought you were the guardie!
ENZO: You blind now as well as stupid? Where's Giuseppe?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: I don't know. He's not here.
ENZO: You should get going. Stay low and find somewhere safe.
[He continues his search for Giuseppe.]
GIUSEPPE'S PROGRESS REPORT
My esteemed friends,
A short update as requested. Progress continues to be slow, hampered by the questionable quality of certain materials. I only approve one batch in five for export.
Nevertheless, we are keeping to schedule and I understand our American cousins are satisfied.
I will deliver all that we agreed before the end of the month. I am willing to stay longer, but my fee will be doubled due to the abhorrent conditions.
Please, let me know how to proceed.
GP
TANNERY RULES
To be strictly observed:
1. Do not remove material from the press room.
2. Never leave the press room open.
3. Travel to the site alone and on foot.
4. Remain indoors at all times.
5. No fires or lights at night.
Any person entering the press room must say the password or will be assumed unfriendly.
GUARDIA: Look, right ahead. Move up!
GUARDIA: More casualties here, caporale!
GUARDIA: Alright. Eyes Sharp. Weapons ready.
GUARDIA: Listen up- Whoever did this could still be here. Fan out and find them. Let's go.
GUARDIA: Clear over here.
GUARDIA: Clear, caporale!
GUARDIA: Clear! Clear!
GUARDIA: Right. I want teams in the tannery and the scraping house. Rest of you are on watch out here.
GUARDIA: Si Caporale!
GUARDIA: Caporale!
GUARDIA: Got it!
GUARDIA: Last chance to do this the easy way before I charge you.
GUARDIA: We know what this place is. We know who you work for. Last chance... No? As you wish.
[Enzo lures a policeman out and kills him by stabbing him several times from behind.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enzo, thank God. What's happening out there?
ENZO: Corrado Bastoni. He informed on us.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: L'Ombra's a rat?! That dirty Spadaro bastard!
ENZO: Forget him for now. Where's the forger?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He was in the storehouse last I saw him.
ENZO: Alright, you head towards the chapel and get out of here. Watch your backs.
[Finally, he finds the counterfeiter in a shed, surrounded by dead policemen.]
ENZO: Ha! Giuseppe? Two against one. You're lucky to be alive.
GIUSEPPE: They were unlucky to meet my knife up up close.
ENZO: Where's the money?
GIUSEPPE: The scraping house. Almost a whole shipment, packed up and ready.
ENZO: I'll go for it. You get out of here.
GIUSEPPE: Gladly.
CESARE: Come and get me, sucaminchia!
GIUSEPPE: That's Cesare!
[It seems he has already had a shootout with the police, and Enzo has to help his friend.]
GUARDIA: There's another one up there. Top window!
GUARDIA: Get some fire on him. We need to reach that door!
CESARE: Vafanculu!
GUARDIA: You're a dead man!
CESARE: You want to die today?
CESARE: Vattinni! Argh!
[Enzo enters the shed where Cesare is hiding at the moment when L'ombra has him pinned against the wall and is beating him.]
CESARE: Enzo! Scànnulu! Kill him!
[However, L'ombra throws Cesare at Enzo, thus knocking the pistol out of his hand. Then he gets behind the wheel of the car.]
L'OMBRA: Figgh'i buttana!
[He drives away, breaking through the wooden wall of the shed and scattering bills everywhere.]
ENZO: Sucaminchia! Cesare, dai!
CESARE: The car! The money's in the car! He's a fucking dead man! Come on! Get your foot down, Enzo!
ENZO: He's not getting away from me.
CESARE: Motherless snake! I'm going to gut him! He snuck up on me, the fucking rat.
ENZO: He has no honor. He's an animal.
CESARE: Watch out!
ENZO: Guardie are everywhere!
CESARE: What a fucking disaster. I never want to see this shithole again. Left! He turned left! Up ahead! What the fuck is he doing? Oh! Minchia! What the fuck are you doing?! Enzooooo! Figgh'i buttana! Fuck!
[They cross a crevice on the collapsed wall of a house, miraculously surviving.]
ENZO: Oof! You alright?
CESARE: Don't ever do that again!
ENZO: All that money. Minchia!
CESARE: Keep on him! We finish this! Don't lose him in the fog. Get closer!
ENZO: I'm trying!
ENZO: Figgh 'i buttana! The fog, I can't see a fucking thing.
CESARE: Has to be worse for that one-eyed cugghiuni. Keep going! How did that one-eyed bastard find the tannery?
ENZO: Minchia! The jail! He saw the forger. Must have been looking for Giuseppe and tracked him down.
CESARE: Or he figured out who you were.
ENZO: Maybe. He and his brother would do anything to get at me.
CESARE: Not just you now. They've fucked all of us. Why can't anything go right? That money press would have made us all rich.
ENZO: All that matters now is getting that bastaddu!
CESARE: Get your foot down, Enzo!
ENZO: It is down!
CESARE: Then what's the fucking hold-up?
ENZO: Steep hills and weak engine.
CESARE: Minchia! We've got to go faster! Do something!
ENZO: You want to get out and push, be my guest! Fuck! He's heading to Collezolfo!
CESARE: Minchia! We've got to stop him!
ENZO: I know!
CESARE: If he gets to Spadaro turf-
ENZO: I know! I'm on him! I don't see him!
CESARE: He's got to be up here somewhere. Where is he?
ENZO: He must be here. Nowhere else to go. He can't be far.
[They stop and find an abandoned car.]
CESARE: Let's find this cugghiuni! Hurry up! Motherless snake! I'm going to gut him!
[He runs ahead - only gunfire and curses are heard.]
ENZO: Idiota. Going to get himself killed.
CESARE: Vafanculu! Come and get me, sucaminchia! Argh! Minchia!
L'OMBRA: Merda...
[Enzo manages to flank L'ombra and catch him by surprise.]
ENZO: Drop it.
L'OMBRA: Kill me, you start a war. My brother will tear this valley apart.
ENZO: When people hear you broke omertà, you'll be dead anyway.
L'OMBRA: Your word against mine.
ENZO: How long have you been working with the guardie? Or did Spadaro set this up?
L'OMBRA: Why don't we just-
[At that moment, Cesare runs up and hits L'ombra on the head with a shovel. L'ombra had a pistol in his hand and was ready to shoot Enzo.]
CESARE: Bastaddu!
ENZO: He was a caporegime, Cesare.
CESARE: He was a surgi, a rat!
ENZO: We can't leave him here.
[They put him in the car and set it on fire.]
CESARE: Brucia all'inferno.
ENZO: There will be hell to pay for this.
CESARE: Lucky we had nothing to do with it, then. Drank too much, came off the road. Terrible accident.
Fratelli Galante Tonnara
THREE DAYS LATER
[Don Galante, Don Torrisi, and Luca are waiting for Spadaro to arrive.]
DON GALANTE: He's here. Ruggero. Welcome. As a friend, I vouch for your safety and the safety of your men. Sit.
DON SPADARO: So why am I here?
DON TORRISI: You know why.
DON SPADARO: I'm afraid you'll have to enlighten me.
DON GALANTE: This is a time for plain speaking. Bernardo, let's have this out, huh?
DON TORRISI: The guardie paid an unwelcome visit to one of my ventures. Cost me a great deal.
DON SPADARO: And what does this have to do with me?
DON TORRISI: Corrado Bastoni, his brother, led the police to my door. He broke omertà and stole from me.
DON SPADARO: This is a serious accusation. Who makes this claim?
LUCA: Enzo Favara and Cesare Massaro.
DON SPADARO: Ah, a carusu and a half-wit?
LUCA: They're both trusted men.
DON TORRISI: That wretch Bastoni colluded with the law. I demand that this be made right.
IL MERLO: That is a lie!
DON SPADARO: If Corrado did this, then he acted alone.
DON TORRISI: A man in your position should keep his dogs under control.
IL MERLO: My brother is dead, murdered! And you make these accusations?
DON SPADARO: What would you know of what he speaks, Torrisi? The killing of a man of honor would be a cause for war.
LUCA: We know nothing about that.
DON GALANTE: Enough! Enough. Please, be reasonable.
DON TORRISI: Are you going to make this right?
DON SPADARO: There's nothing for me to remedy. And nothing further to discuss.
[They leave.]
1907
ISABELLA: Amore mio, we must take care. My father's mood has grown dark and he is quick to anger. He has men on the gates all through the night. I will not visit, for a while at least. Just know that I love you, forever, and with all of my heart. Isabella.
ENZO: Baron Fontanella. Please. This way.
[He leads the Baron into Don Torrisi's office.]
DON TORRISI: Come. Raffaele. Sit. You said it was urgent so, please.
BARON FONTANELLA: Perhaps, Bernardo, we could speak privately?
DON TORRISI: Anything you wish to discuss, you can say it here. They'll come to know in time.
BARON FONTANELLA: Very well then. There's a situation at my factory, outside of Collezolfo.
DON TORRISI: And what situation is that? I've heard of no problems.
BARON FONTANELLA: Striking workers are making outrageous demands. Production's ground to a halt, total shutdown. Something's happened with your man Lorenzetti.
DON TORRISI: Lorenzetti's a friend, a trusted man. He's kept order there for years.
BARON FONTANELLA: Seems things have changed. Because it is he, supposedly, behind this strike.
DON TORRISI: That I find hard to believe.
BARON FONTANELLA: Perhaps you'll believe this.
[He takes out a paper written in red ink or possibly blood. The Baron places it on the table in front of the Don.]
BARON FONTANELLA: No signatory, of course, but only he could be behind this. And the workers take orders from him.
DON TORRISI: You were right to bring this to my attention. Thank you, Raffaele.
[The Baron leaves.]
LUCA: Always something with Fontanella.
DON TORRISI: There is. But this needs investigation. I leave that to you.
LUCA: Okay.
DON TORRISI: Give me a moment.
[Luca and Enzo leave the Don's office, who is sadly looking out from the balcony.]
LUCA: Andiamo. Come, Enzo. Walk with me. Vincenzo Lorenzetti. He's known the Don since they were just boys. He broke strikes with me at the Fontanella factory in the nineties. This is out of character. Do what you can to track him down but tread carefully. He'll know we're looking for him.
ENZO: I'll find him. We can straighten this out.
LUCA: Ask around. The men may have heard something. And talk to Tino. He has eyes everywhere.
[They go out into the villa's courtyard. Enzo approaches Don Torrisi's men, who are also his friends, one by one.]
ROBERTO: Oh, Enzo.
ENZO: Roberto, there's been some trouble at Fontanella's factory, over in Collezolfo. You heard anything?
ROBERTO: Eh, I don't hear much from that side of the valley. Seems to be trouble everywhere these days though.
ENZO: Alright, grazie.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Heard Spadaro's brought in men from Agrigento.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He's impatient, always has been. It won't be long now.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Wear hold our own. What are you so worried about?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Il Merlo. He's a demon since he lost his brother.
ENZO: Gaspare, you're from Collezolfo, aren't you? Have you heard anything from there recently?
GASPARE: Well, I heard the factory's closed. Lot of men out of work. Union trouble most likely. It used to be bad there.
ENZO: Alright. Grazie.
ENZO: I'm going to find this Lorenzetti. Headed over to Collezolfo, so I could do with some backup.
CESARE: I can't. My uncle wants six of us on the collection run in case Spadaro tries. anything.
ENZO: Alright. You know anything about Lorenzetti?
CESARE: Just what you heard. Vincenzo Lorenzetti. Foreman at Collezolfo. Try talking to Pasquale. He fixes the machines over at the factory.
ENZO: Will do. Be careful out there, Cesare.
CESARE: You too. Eyes keen, huh? Hand on your knife.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Seen anything?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Nothing much. I'll stick to my round.
ISABELLA: Enzo. Bongiornu.
ENZO: Isabella! Did you get my note?
ISABELLA: I did, but I couldn't get out. Too many guards. I miss you, amore mio! I'll keep trying.
ENZO: I miss you too. Be careful.
[He approaches Enrico and Angelo, who are smoking and discussing the latest news as usual.]
ENRICO: It's already war. But nobody wants to call it that. Not yet.
ANGELO: It was the same last time Everyone afraid to say the word until there's no denying it
ENZO: Either of you know Lorenzetti? The factory foreman? Seen him lately?
ANGELO: Vincenzo? Yeah, we play cards sometimes. Enrico here cleaned him out three weeks ago. Haven't seen him since.
ENRICO: Lucky Lorenzetti. Been on a losing streak for a long time. Heard he owes a lot of money but keep that to yourself.
ENZO: I will. Grazie.
ANGELO: You think he's in trouble?
[Enzo goes down to the basement to the gunsmith.]
VALERIO: Enzo, come stai?
ENZO: Valerio. I'm looking for someone - Lorenzetti from Collezolfo. You know him?
VALERIO: Only by name. But some of the boys play cards with him. They might know more.
VALERIO: Watch yourself in Collezolfo, u capisti? This Spadaro thing could boil over any day. I can feel it. You want to take something to protect yourself? Got some beautiful weapons from America. Shame not to use them. Good hunting, Enzo.
TINO: What's the matter? Get going. Hurry up. I take it you want to discuss our friend the foreman?
ENZO: Luca asked me to find Lorenzetti. What can you tell me?
TINO: Until today, there wasn't much to tell. He gambles.
Has a mistress in Collezolfo, an old pot-washer named Angelica Vaccaro.
ENZO: Anything else?
TINO: His cousin, Camillo Burgio. A socialista. Union man. He may have a hand in this. Ask around.
ENZO: Grazie, Tino.
TINO: Don't fuck this up. Just find Lorenzetti and bring him here. I'll do the rest.
[Enzo gets behind the wheel of a car and drives to his crime family's mechanic.]
PASQUALE: Enzo! What brings you out here?
ENZO: Ciao, Pasquale. I just need information. You know Vincenzo Lorenzetti? The foreman at Collezolfo?
PASQUALE: Yeah, I know him. But... I don't see him like I used to. It's always one thing after another with him.
ENZO: What kind of thing?
PASQUALE: Ah, money. And always a good story for why he needs it. Never his fault. But I know he gambles it away, or spends it on that mistress.
ENZO: When did you last see him?
PASQUALE: Hmm. Months ago. Maybe longer. Try his cousin, Camillo Burgio. Lives over in Collezolfo. He'll know something.
ENZO: Grazie, Pasquale.
PASQUALE: Hey, why don't you take a look around before you go?
[Enzo drives into the city and finds Vincenzo's lover.]
WORKER: These fucking bastaddi. Who are they to tell us what's in our best interests? They're worse than the clans now.
MISTRESS: What do you want?
ENZO: I'm looking for Vincenzo Lorenzetti, signora.
MISTRESS: You're wasting your time here. I already told your friends: I have no money.
ENZO: Friends? Who do you mean?
MISTRESS: Two of them. Never seen them before. Rough-looking. Came around asking questions, just like you.
ENZO: Is Vincenzo inside, signora?
MISTRESS: No. He went out to play cards last night. Hasn't been back since. He'll be caught up in all that trouble at the factory.
ENZO: Who does he play cards with?
MISTRESS: Those idiots from the town. Tonio, Sebastiano. There's a bunch of them. Thick as thieves.
ENZO: Grazie, signora.
WORKER: It's not Lorenzetti. This thing goes higher. You didn't see those Union enforcers slinking about? Ugly pezzu di merda.
WORKER: Who was that? He's not from around here!
WORKER: We would have gone with him in a heartbeat but he didn't want that.
[He approaches the mustachioed socialist.]
CAMILLO: You looking for someone?
ENZO: Camillo Burgio? I'm looking for Lorenzetti. I'm a friend.
CAMILLO: Let me guess - You're with Fontanella?
ENZO: And you're with the union. Did you help Lorenzetti arrange this strike?
CAMILLO: Ha. Wish I had. First I heard about it was him turning the men away at the gate.
ENZO: That doesn't make sense.
CAMILLO: Damn right it doesn't. Vincenzo hates the union. Barely talks to me because of it. Look, you want answers, go talk to his gambling buddies, Tonio and... uh... Sebastiano. They're together almost every night.
ENZO: Grazie, signore. I will.
WORKER: Watch out. Here comes another one.
[Enzo finds Vincenzo's friends, gamblers.]
ENZO: Any of you Tonio? Or Sebastiano? Have you seen Vincenzo Lorenzetti lately?
TONIO: Sure, last night. We were up in his office, playing cards, like always. Then these two ugly bastaddi turn up and make us all leave.
ENZO: What did they want?
SEBASTIANO: No idea. Not like Vincenzo to leave a game when he's winning. The office is up the hill, by the well. Go take a look.
ENZO: Grazie.
[Enzo finds Vincenzo's office, but the entrance door is locked.]
ENZO: Lorenzetti, you in there? Must be another way in...
POLICE CHIEF DISMISSAL
5th March, 1907
D’AMICO DISMISSED FOLLOWING TANNERY DEBACLE
Speculation has been rife about police chief Major Ettore D'Amico’s future, following his raid on a tannery in the Valle Dorata.
Late last year, chaos erupted when a gunfight between police officers and unnamed assailants broke out, leaving dozens dead. A review into the raid has concluded D’Amico acted rashly and ‘without proper authorization.'
Following the review, D’Amico has been dismissed from his role as police chief and has reportedly returned to Naples. It is unclear at this time whether D'Amico still has a position in the police.
D’Amico refused to give a comment.
[Enzo finds another way inside.]
ENZO: He didn't make this mess alone. There has to be something in here.
ADVICE ON PROPOSED STRIKES
Signor Lorenzetti, In all good conscience, I cannot call a strike at Fonderia Marconato at this time. It’s not in the best interests of the workers to antagonize the owner right now.
I find your request for such action, as the foreman, peculiar. You have never supported union activity in the past, and I question your motivations now.
If you want to strike, it’s on your head. Please do not suggest we had anything to do with it.
Brunello Endrizzi
ENZO: Figgh 'i buttana! Should check in here too.
LETTER FROM LORENZETTI
Bernardo, I write to you with a heavy heart to confess my failings. A terrible situation has taken root at Fonderia Marconato, and I bear the blame.
To my shame, I have fallen into debt—an insurmountable sum that I can never repay. Ruggero Spadaro now holds my fate in his hands, and his demands have forced me to act against your interests. He wants me to close the factory, I assume he intends to steal everything of value.
We have known each other since boyhood, and I can only hope you can forgive me. I am desperate and cannot face this alone. Please, send your men. I need your help.
Your loyal friend,
Lorenzetti
ENZO: Tino needs to know about this!
SPADARO’S DEMANDS
Sig. Lorenzetti,
Since acquiring your debt, I have received only 600 lire in remittance — an amount that barely covers the interest accrued.
My patience is at its limit. I now demand full repayment. Alternatively, you may fulfill the obligations we discussed at our last meeting.
Act without delay. My collectors will arrive within the week to ensure this matter is resolved.
Regards,
Ruggero Spadaro
ENZO: Spadaros!
[Suddenly, a worker enters the office.]
WORKER: You! You're the man who's looking for Lorenzetti? Please, out here. Let me show you. Look, down there. If you're looking for Lorenzetti, well... There are armed men down at the factory, stripping the place. They dragged Lorenzetti to Fontanella's office. Locked the gates.
ENZO: I'll find a way in. You did the right thing letting me know, signore. I'll take it from here.
[He quietly and discreetly makes his way onto the factory grounds.]
WORKER: I trust him but it's strange. I haven't seen anybody I know from the union.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Okay, okay, but they don't need to be skilled. We just need numbers.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Can't argue with that. But I still don't want to get shot in the back by some picciottu from Agrigento who's never held a gun.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: So stay behind them, minchiuni! You see me standing up front?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You know Lorenzetti is one of Torrisi's people, right?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: What Merlo didn't say anything about that!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: It'll take days to clear this whole place.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: That's too long. People will start asking questions.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Boss doesn't care.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: If he doesn't then I don't either.
[Finally, Enzo finds Lorenzetti's office - only the office is in disarray, and its owner is lying on the floor, choking on his blood.]
ENZO: You Lorenzetti? What happened?
LORENZETTI: Bastard held me here, beat me... took everything. Il Merlo...
ENZO: He was here?
LORENZETTI: Chased the workers away. They want to lean on... Fontanella.
ENZO: Tranquillo. Can you move?
LORENZETTI: No, no...
ENZO: Lorenzetti? Lorenzetti?
[But he is already dead...]
ENZO: Merda.
[He gets up and walks towards the exit but ducks from a shot, which was clearly a warning. A familiar voice is heard from afar...]
IL MERLO: Carusu! Carusu! Oh, you can't help your friend? Would not be the first time, huh?
[He bursts into laughter.]
ENZO: Figgh 'i buttana...
IL MERLO: We're bleeding your man Fontanella dry. He's finished. Come on out. I'll explain it all to you.
[He is on the second floor, shooting a rifle. Enzo hides behind a table.]
IL MERLO: No? Oh well...
[He gives a signal to his men.]
IL MERLO: Smoke him out!
[Several lit kerosene lamps are thrown into the room where Enzo is, and the room is engulfed in flames.]
ENZO: Merda! Got to get out of here. Now! The whole place is coming down!
[He returns fire and heads for the exit.]
ENZO: Easy... easy...
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You heard Il Merlo! Don't let him escape!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You're not getting out of here, carusu! Boss wants you dead!
[Enzo gets outside, but the factory building collapses from gas explosions, and he has to climb back inside.]
[When Enzo approaches the door leading to the factory exit, a large bandit with a knife breaks it down from the other side.]
ENZO: Agh!
SPADARO HENCHMAN: Going somewhere?
ENZO: Are you out of your mind? We'll both burn in here!
SPADARO HENCHMAN: Not if I make this quick. Come on! No!
[Enzo quickly kills the bandit and escapes the burning factory.]
Villa Torrisi
THREE HOURS LATER
[Tino comes to Don Torrisi, who has gone into the pantry to cut himself a piece of cured meat.]
TINO: Foreman's dead. And already cremated.
[The Don sharply stabs the knife he was holding into the table.]
DON TORRISI: What happened?
TINO: The carusu found Lorenzetti beaten half to death. Spadaro's dogs stripped the place clean, then torched it.
DON TORRISI: Enzo?
TINO: He's alive. But he isn't our concern right now. You know what this means?
DON TORRISI: They're moving on the whole valley.
TINO: That horseshit about his man acting alone at the tannery. This was already in motion.
DON TORRISI: Buttana ra miseria! Fontanella's finished. Any value that he had, is gone.
TINO: This is between us and Spadaro. We should have ended that buttanazza back then. Vendetta's must end.
[However, the Don, burning with revenge, sharply pulls the knife stuck in the table out.]
DON TORRISI: If this is how he wants it. This is how it'll be.
CESARE: Minchia, questo caldo. At least it'll be cool in the church...
DON TORRISI: Enzo!
ENZO: Everything alright?
DON TORRISI: My daughter, she tests my patience. I'm needed at the church before the baptism, but Isabella is taking her time. You're to wait and drive her to San Celeste when she's ready.
ENZO: Of course.
DON TORRISI: The roads will be busy because of the parade. Make sure you're there before the ceremony starts.
[The Don leaves in his luxurious car with his personal driver.]
CESARE: Coming?
ENZO: I have to drive Isabella. I'll meet you there.
CESARE: Come on.
[Tino looks at Enzo strangely, as if he realized he was up to no good. Enzo tries not to show it.]
ISABELLA: They've already left? I'm sorry for the hold-up. Was the only way to get my own private chauffeur.
ENZO: You're worth the wait, as always. You look beautiful.
[He helps her into the car. They drive to the ceremony.]
ISABELLA: I've been looking forward to this for months. It's been a long time since we've had a family celebration like this.
ENZO: Well. I'm honored to be a part of it.
ISABELLA: I'm glad you'll be there. For once, after the wine comes out I have someone to talk to.
ENZO: How'd you know, your father would ask me to drive you?
ISABELLA: I didn't. But it was worth taking the chance.
ENZO: I think he's starting to trust me. I told you he would.
ISABELLA: He trusts you as a driver.
ENZO: As your driver.
ISABELLA: And that's enough? I took you for a man of ambition.
ENZO: It's a beautiful day, and I'm alone with you. What more could I want? Although I wouldn't mind if the drive was a little longer.
ISABELLA: Will we make it in time? For the ceremony?
ENZO: Don't worry.
ISABELLA: I'd hate to miss it. Luca and Valentina looked so happy this morning.
ENZO: With Don Torrisi as his Godfather, that boy will go far.
ISABELLA: They're happy because of the baby, Enzo, not my father. A brother for little Samuele. He brings joy to them. To everyone. I saw your face when you held him.
ENZO: That was fear. I've never held a baby before. I'm just glad I didn't drop him on his head.
ISABELLA: Do you think about us having a family, Enzo? One day?
ENZO: These days, I hardly get to see you. They feel long, endless us all do to get through them, one at a time?
ISABELLA: You picture it in your mind? The life we could have?
ENZO: Of course I do. Being married, living in our own home... I don't think about much else.
[They drive up to the city.]
ENZO: Sounds like really getting going!
ISABELLA: It will be! Oh, the streets will be closed off, but we can park around the back.
ANGELO: Buona festa!
ISABELLA: Buona festa, Angelo!
ANGELO: Your father's gone ahead to the church. Enzo, he said to tell you to escort Signorina Torrisi there.
[They get out of the car.]
ISABELLA: Come on, let's go!
ENZO: After you, Signorina Torrisi.
ISABELLA: Ah, it's the best day of the year.
ENZO: Nothing like a saint day to put everyone in a good mood.
ISABELLA: Did you have any? Before, I mean.
ENZO: We did. Even in that place. Nothing like this, though.
ISABELLA: There is nothing like ours. Who was your saint?
ENZO: Santa Barbara.
ISABELLA: That's why you have that tattoo?
ENZO: She kept us safe, brought us luck. Most of the time.
SAINT'S DAY PAMPHLET
San Celeste Annual Saint's Day Parade!
Graciously sponsored by Sig. Torrisi, of Torrisi Wine
April 12th - April 13th
A day of festivities to honor and celebrate our great martyr, Saint Celeste!
April 12th 1 p.m. - Procession starts at Chiesa di San Celeste, Saint Celeste statue carried through the streets to the Piazza Garibaldi
3 p.m. - Band plays in the Piazza Garibaldi
4 p.m. - Feast begins
6 p.m. - Band resumes
10 p.m. - Fireworks begin, best viewed from the outer city walls
April 13th 6 a.m. - Saint Celeste statue returned to the Chiesa di San Celeste at first light
10 a.m. - Mass held at the Chiesa di San Celeste and at the Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso
11 a.m. - Band procession begins, marching from Chiesa di San Celeste to the Piazza Garibaldi
12 p.m. - Relics carried from Chiesa di San Celeste
2 p.m. - Feast begins
8 p.m. - Relics returned to the Chiesa di San Celeste
ISABELLA: A baptism on a saint's day is good luck. My father must have called in some favors to get the church today.
ENZO: Well, Father Ciccone won't run out of Torrisi wine anytime soon.
ISABELLA: Good. Valentina and Luca are family.
ENZO: We could all use a little fuck especially with things as they are, and a celebration will so everybody good.
ISABELLA: Ah, looks like they're getting ready for the fight.
ENZO: There's a fight?
ISABELLA: All the young men want to carry San Celeste but only a few can, so they fight. My father did too, in his younger days.
ENZO: Did he win?
ISABELLA: I never saw him lose. He'd tear his clothes and get bloody but he didn't care. Merrily chanting and singing with the rest of them.
ENZO: Isabella?
ISABELLA: Sorry, I was just thinking... Can we talk?
ENZO: What's on your mind?
ISABELLA: What you said before, about us being married. You really believe we will be, one day?
ENZO: I know we will.
ISABELLA: Not where my father is. Not here
ENZO: Your father trusts me, respects me. Once I'm a man of standing, he'll give us his blessing.
ISABELLA: No. You don't know him as I do. I'll never be free to choose. And he'd never forgive you.
ENZO: I think I could change his mind. You'll see, in time. Let's not talk about this today.
CANTASTORIA: With my heart and my voice, I shall tell you a tale of a forbidden tryst and an impossible lover.
ISABELLA: I'd like to take a look at the stalls if we have time?
ENZO: As you wish.
ISABELLA: I meet you when I'm done.
[She leaves, and Enzo looks around the stalls, searching for something interesting as a gift for his beloved.]
VENDOR: Cassata! Cannoli! Something sweet, signore?
ENZO: No, grazie. Just looking.
CANTASTORIA: Drawn by the perfume, a Moor was stunned to see the maiden.
VENDOR: Caponata! Arancini! Signore! Take a look.
ENZO: Not today.
[He approaches a flower stall.]
VENDOR: They make the perfect gift. Perhaps something for your wife?
ENZO: Oh, she's not... I'll take that one.
VENDOR: A wonderful choice.
ENZO: Grazie.
CANTASTORIA: The pair spent blissful days together in the garden, with their love growing ever stronger. As their hearts became entwined, the thought of being apart became impossible.
ISABELLA: I'm sorry, for what I said before.
ENZO: Isabella, listen-
ISABELLA: No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean-
ENZO: Just listen, please. One day, Isabella Torrisi, it will be us in church, marrying in front of the world. I'll get your father's blessing. Until then-
[He takes a flower out of his pocket.]
ENZO: Take this and know I will be with you, always. That I will never give up on you. This is my vow. I swear it.
[Isabella weaves the flower into her hair. She is happy.]
ISABELLA: Oh, Enzo! It's beautiful. I've never felt... Thank you. I- ah, thank you! I won't ever give up on you either. I can't. I don't care what's against us. We'll find a way. I swear it. We'll find a way, Enzo. Now, we should go.
[They walk to the church.]
CANTASTORIA: The loves heads were turned into vases, and raised up the the garden. But they remained as ever side by side. The brother's soul never recovered from guilt, but our couple remained forever in the garden they'd built.
ROBERTO: There you are. They re about to start! Don't wait for me. I've got to make sure the photographer's ready.
[Entering the church, they are just in time for the baptism ceremony.]
FATHER CICCONE: My dear brothers and sisters, let us ask our Lord Jesus Christ to look lovingly on this child... Make the lives of his parents and godparents an example of faith to inspire this child... See that the divine life which God gives him is kept safe from the poison of sin... Behold, children are a heritage from on high, the fruit of the womb a reward... May he send his peace upon all who gather here, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
[The whole family is photographed outside the church.]
PHOTOGRAPHER: Bene. One more.
LUCA: (to Enzo) Get yourself a girl, will be your son soon enough.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Signore, step forward.
[Suddenly, the man standing next to Enzo is killed by a rifle shot. It was Il Merlo standing in the bell tower; he missed Enzo because he moved forward.]
ENZO: Assassino!
LUCA: Go! Go!
DON TORRISI: Get inside! Spadaro bastards! On a holy day!
[Enzo helps Luca and his wife hide, and he goes to fight the shooter.]
ENZO: Luca- Keep them safe!
DON TORRISI: Find the gunman! I want his fucking head!
CESARE: I'll cover you.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Don Torrisi, stay there! I'm coming-
[Il Merlo kills him immediately.]
CESARE: Ciro! Minchia! You go get him, I'm right behind you! Careful, uncle! Enzo! I need to get over there! Follow me! Stay low! Up here, behind the stall! That bastard got Roberto. Whoever he is, he's a dead man. It's too far across the piazza. We won't make it.
[Hiding behind stalls, Enzo slowly advances towards the church.]
ENZO: People are getting hurt. We need to move.
CESARE: There! The cart! Help me push this. You can take cover behind it! Enzo, what're you doing?!
[They push a cart, using it as cover from the shots.]
ENZO: Let's get this figgh'i buttana!
CESARE: Once we're across the piazza, you make a run for the church. I'll cover you. Get to the tower.
[Despite the cover, Il Merlo still hits Cesare in the knee.]
CESARE: Ah! Minchia! Sucaminchia!
ENZO: Cesare!
CESARE: Get to the church! Go around. I'll make a distraction. Go! Agh! Hurry up!
BARTOLOMEO: Careful, signore!
CESARE: I shoot, you move! Down here bastaddu! The tower, Enzo! Go! I'll keep him busy!
[Finally, Enzo sneaks up on Il Merlo and wants to stab him, but he turns around. A fight breaks out.]
ENZO: Long way from the mine!
IL MERLO: As are you, carusu. Maybe it was fate that that bullet missed, huh? Now I get to kill you up close.
[A knife fight begins.]
ENZO: Sucaminchia!
[Luca appears, and Il Merlo decides to flee.]
LUCA: Enzo!
ENZO: I'll go after him, you cut him off on the ground!
[An adrenaline-fueled chase across roofs, through buildings and rooms with many people begins.]
LUCA: Stay on him! I'll get the family out of here!
IL MERLO: Don't come after me, carusu!
ENZO: You won't get away from me! Agh! Minchia!
IL MERLO: Ammazzulu. Now! I want him dead!
[However, Enzo kills a bandit with a rifle in mid-air and continues the chase.]
ENZO: Coward!
ENZO: A scusari signore! Allaschiti! Sorry, signora!
[Finally, the long chase ends - Il Merlo runs into a locked café door.]
IL MERLO: Argh!
ENZO: Nowhere left to go.
[The knife fight continues.]
ENZO: Have you lost your mind? There are women and children here.
IL MERLO: Your women. Your children. Cugghiuni!
[He runs away again, realizing he can't win. Enzo gives chase, but an accidentally opened shutter hits him on the head, and he falls from the roof onto the street and has to catch up with Il Merlo.]
ENZO: Merda! Agh!
ENZO: I'll kill you! You hear me? Your time is up, Damiano! This is over!
IL MERLO: You really think it's that easy?
[Ambushing Enzo, he jumps out of the window with him and runs away again...]
ENZO: Argh! Bastard! Aghh! Fuck! Agh... No...
LUCA: Enzo!
ENZO: He's getting away...
LUCA: No, he's not. Here, take this!
[He gives Enzo a pistol.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: I've got him!
[After killing several bandits on the street, Enzo finds a horse. Il Merlo drives away in a car.]
ENZO: I'm going after him!
ENZO: I've got you now... You're mine.
[However, in the crazy chase, Il Merlo doesn't notice a truck coming from the opposite direction and crashes into it, flying out of the car.]
ENZO: Cristo... Better make sure he's dead. Where are you? I'm not leaving until I see your corpse. No more running, huh?
[At that moment, Il Merlo jumps out of the overturned car and knocks Enzo off his feet.]
IL MERLO: I should've buried you a long time ago, carusu.
ENZO: You can try. But you'll end up with your brother.
[The final knife fight begins.]
IL MERLO: Figgh'i buttana! I know you killed him!
ENZO: You know nothing!
[He wins and stabs the knife into Il Merlo's side, then kicks him to the ground and flips him over to deliver the final blow.]
ENZO: Beaten by a mine boy... This... ends now!
[Meanwhile, Il Merlo picks up some piece of metal from the ground and stabs Enzo in the leg.]
IL MERLO: Yes...
[He starts to strangle Enzo until Luca shoots him in the head. Getting up from the ground, Enzo spits on Il Merlo's corpse.]
ENZO: You saved me. Again.
LUCA: Enzo...
[Enzo leans on his friend, and they leave.]
DON GALANTE: Hey, Bernardo.
DON TORRISI: Niccolò.
[He kisses Don Galante on the cheeks but not the Baron, who merely spread his arms.]
BARON FONTANELLA: Thank you for coming.
DON TORRISI: So, what is the urgent matter you wish to discuss, Raffaele?
BARON FONTANELLA: What all of Sicily is talking about.
DON TORRISI: You have a problem with how I conduct my affairs?
BARON FONTANELLA: How you 'conduct your affairs'? There is blood in the streets. This war with Spadaro, it's gone too far.
DON TORRISI: You do not tell me what is too far.
BARON FONTANELLA: Don't forget your position. My family has owned this land for generations.
[Don Torrisi moves closer and says quietly.]
DON TORRISI: Who has kept it that way?
BARON FONTANELLA: Forgery. Arson. Murder. There's talk of sending a Prefect from Rome to fight the mafia. If that happens, our problems worsen tenfold.
DON TORRISI: I sense you've come to regret our association.
BARON FONTANELLA: My commitment is firm. But this bloodshed, it has to stop.
[Don Torrisi gets up from his chair and raises his voice slightly.]
DON TORRISI: Spadaro attacked my family. He put you in ruin. Cowardice is repaid in misery.
DON GALANTE: But what is the cost? The cost of acting in anger? Spadaro, sto strunz. He seeks to provoke, Bernardo. He expects you to fight.
DON TORRISI: What would you have me do?
BARON FONTANELLA: Come to the table. Negotiate.
DON GALANTE: Spadaro, he knows only force. Keep fighting and there will be no spoils at the end of this war. Settle a peace, and there will be ways to win.
BARON FONTANELLA: What if something happens to you? What kind of future would you leave Isabella? And what of our plan to join our families? If everything burns along the way, then all of that ambition is for nothing.
[Don Torrisi ponders the words said.]
DON TORRISI: What makes you think Spadaro would stop now?
BARON FONTANELLA: Spadaro's losing money, as we all are. And I'm sure he shares your distaste for the authorities. If I can get Spadaro to come to the table, would you consider it?
DON TORRISI: I'll meet. Neutral ground. The usual place.
BARON FONTANELLA: This is progress.
DON GALANTE: Speak to Spadaro. If he's willing, set up a meeting. My family will mediate and guarantee safety. Now, Bernardo, vieni, vieni. Have a drink, huh?
DON TORRISI: Not today.
[He leaves.]
Villa Torrisi
MEETING DAY
ISABELLA: Enzo, come in.
ENZO: I don't have long.
[They kiss passionately.]
ISABELLA: I haven't seen you in weeks! I can't sleep, wondering if you're alive or dead.
ENZO: This war with Spadaro, it'll be over soon.
ISABELLA: A long time ago, you told me you can choose who you are. Is this your choice? How you want life to be?
ENZO: Isabella, your father trusts me now. I'll ask him soon, for his permission. We can be together.
ISABELLA: I love you, Enzo. But I cannot live in my father's world. Not anymore. There's something else.
[A car is already honking outside, waiting for Enzo.]
ENZO: What do you mean?
CESARE: Enzo, come on! Hurry up!
ISABELLA: Find me later. We need to talk.
ENZO: Mi dispiace.
[He kisses his beloved and runs off.]
[Enzo goes down to Cesare.]
ENZO: Hey...
CESARE: What? Did I wake you? Go find Luca. We're leaving soon.
[Enzo searches the villa for Luca.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Sitting with Spadaros? After what they did? Doesn't sit right with me.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: It's that or more bloodshed. Things need to change.
LUCA: There's nothing for you to worry about.
VALENTINA: Don't say that. I'm not blind, Luca.
LUCA: Valentina...
VALENTINA: You have a son. A baby.
LUCA: We've been here before. Things will settle down. You will see.
[Enzo approaches closer.]
LUCA: Hey.
ENZO: Didn't mean to interrupt.
VALENTINA: You didn't. I was just leaving.
LUCA: Minchia. You have all this to look forward to when you're married, Enzo. Everyone's ready?
ENZO: I think so.
LUCA: Then we'd better go. Listen, Enzo. Don Galante's the level head we need right now. He'll bring about a compromise.
ENZO: Compromise, with Spadaro?
LUCA: This vendettas personal for you, I know.
ENZO: It's personal for all of us. Look around you.
[They walk towards the villa's exit and meet Tino.]
LUCA: Tino.
TINO: What time is it? Aren't you supposed to be kissing Spadaro's backside around now?
LUCA: We have to talk this out.
TINO: Talk. Look where that got us before.
LUCA: I take it you're not coming?
TINO: I'll never speak with that figgh'i buttana again.
LUCA: Remember, Enzo. This thing, it's a business. Everything else getting out of hand stops it working. So, unless you want to be scraping by on your last lire come winter, we have a choice to make.
DON TORRISI: There you are. Enzo, you're driving. Let's get going.
[Everyone gets into the car, and Enzo steps on the gas.]
ENZO: Where we going?
LUCA: The tonnara. Big tuna factory on the other side of Porto Almaro.
CESARE: Minchia, why do we have to meet all the way out there?
LUCA: Because when matters get out of hand, that is where we talk.
DON TORRISI: It's neutral ground. The tonnara was Michele's business. You should know all this. How many times did I take you there?
CESARE: Nobody ever told me.
DON TORRISI: You know, if you had brains you'd be dangerous.
[They drive in silence for a while.]
ENZO: Who is Michele? If it's alright to ask?
LUCA: Michele was a good friend of ours. Leo's father. He died a long time ago.
CESARE: He was killed, you mean.
DON TORRISI: At least this he remembers. Michele was killed. And after that, Don Galante and I sat down with his murderers at the tonnara, and we made peace.
CESARE: And look where that got us.
DON TORRISI: Keep your opinions to yourself. There's more to this life than killing and retribution. You'd do well to remember that.
ENZO: Was that how the last war ended?
LUCA: That's enough for now, Enzo.
DON TORRISI: Tell him what happened, Luca. There should be no secrets between us.
LUCA: Alright. This whole thing started about twenty years ago. Back then, we were a smaller outfit. We worked for Fontanella's father, protecting his properties, collecting rent, that kind of thing.
DON TORRISI: The older Fontanella. That was some kind of man! If he had lived a few years longer, this whole thing might have been avoided.
LUCA: The old man died suddenly.
DON TORRISI: Yes, under his comare. She was so fat, she broke his ribs. I had to tell the coroner that he'd been kicked by a horse, just to spare his dignity.
CESARE: Wonder if Gennaro knows how his grandfather died.
DON TORRISI: I doubt it. And you won't breathe a word of it to anyone.
LUCA: Then everything changed. The new Baron Fontanella, our good friend, sold half of his share of the sulfur mine and moved to Palermo. He left Don Torrisi in control of this land.
DON TORRISI: Which would have made for a good end to this story, except his new partners brought in their own men, from their operation in Agrigento.
LUCA: Spadaro and Bastoni. Men of honor both, but not like us.
DON TORRISI: That is an understatement. Thugs, with no code, no discipline, no tradition.
LUCA: We showed them respect. We even worked together on a few things. But more and more we saw them pushing out from Collezolfo, and onto our territory.
ENZO: How did the war start?
DON TORRISI: The small matter of a bench, if you can believe it.
LUCA: Some of our boys were up in San Celeste to watch the palio. They got into an argument with some cugghiuni from Collezolfo, over a bench overlooking the track. Found three of them the next day, their throats cut, and dumped in the river. I had to tell their mothers.
DON TORRISI: And just like that, we were at war. It had been years coming. It was savage, brutal, not like anything we'd ever seen. Dozens died, on both sides.
ENZO: What happened to Leo's father? Michele, his wife, and two sons all died. Only Leone survived, because he was staying with his grandfather ahead of a hunting trip.
LUCA: Michele was a good man, an honorable man. Even Spadaro knew it. That's what brought him to the negotiating table.
ENZO: So after all that you made peace and that was it?
LUCA: Not exactly.
DON TORRISI: Bastoni had gone too far, and we agreed that he had to pay for what he'd done.
LUCA: And he did.
DON TORRISI: I put his eyes out with Michele's knife.
CESARE: I don't think any good can come of this.
LUCA: You're not here to think, Cesare. We'll settle this, same as we did before.
CESARE: Did Spadaro attack on a saint's day back then? Did he work with the law? He's not the same man.
LUCA: What do you know about things back then? You were a boy.
DON TORRISI: Enough! I have too much on my mind having to meet with that bastard without you bickering. I need to think.
[The car stops somewhere outside the city.]
LUCA: Cesare, you're to stay outside.
CESARE: What? Why?
LUCA: Look, I need someone I trust out here, u capisti? Keep the engine running.
[They go to the meeting. There are many armed men around.]
LEO: Don Torrisi.
DON TORRISI: Leone.
LEO: Don Spadaro arrived a little while ago. He's waiting inside, with my grandfather.
DON TORRISI: Then let's join them. I have no desire to spend a minute more in that man's company than I need to.
LEO: Please, follow me. I hope my grandfather can help settle this matter today.
DON TORRISI: Your grandfather has agreed to host this meeting. I've agreed to talk, nothing more.
LEO: Respectfully, Don Torrisi, with this war, we all suffer. I hope you can find a way to end this.
TONNARA TEMPORARY CLOSURE
15th May
TO ALL EMPLOYEES,
Fratelli Galante will be closed tomorrow for maintenance work.
Regular shifts will resume on Friday. You will be compensated for any shifts missed.
The mattanza is a busy season, so when shifts resume everyone is responsible for clearing any buildup.
Your foreman, Signor Gazoli, will address everyone on Friday about new workloads.
ENZO: Spadaros everywhere.
LUCA: I already told you. Set that aside for today.
ENZO: You really see this working?
LUCA: This is how things get settled. For better or worse, the war can't go on.
LEO: They're just inside here.
DON TORRISI: Enzo, get the door.
[They enter the building, coming to the negotiation table. Don Galante sits at the head.]
DON GALANTE: Old friend, vieni, vieni. Please. Now, we know why we are meeting, so let's get on with it, huh?
DON TORRISI: Despite misgivings, I'm here on the promise to find a settlement.
DON SPADARO: Too much blood has been spilled.
DON TORRISI: Because you broke your word. And because you can't control your men.
DON SPADARO: Are you asking for my protection?
DON TORRISI: I've seen how things turn out for those that you look after.
DON GALANTE: Let's dispense with the recriminations, shall we?
DON SPADARO: War's bad for business. You want a settlement? We have a proposal.
DON TORRISI: We?
BARON FONTANELLA: Please. Hear him out.
DON TORRISI: What is this?
DON SPADARO: Fontanella's selling up, Torrisi. His stake in the mine. Prospecting and water rights of the valley on the east side. Including his vineyard, which you've taken as your home.
[Don Torrisi leans forward, slightly raising his voice.]
DON TORRISI: I ask again. What is this?
BARON FONTANELLA: I have been left with no choice.
DON SPADARO: I'll offer market rate for your remaining holdings. As a mark of respect.
DON TORRISI: You can't be serious?
BARON FONTANELLA: Bernardo, please. Don't stand in the way of progress.
DON TORRISI: Progress?
BARON FONTANELLA: Progress.
[Don Torrisi is starting to get angry.]
DON TORRISI: And what happens when the land is stripped bare? How will you line your pockets then, huh? No, this is an affront!
DON SPADARO: It's an opening position. I see it's not been very well received. The Baron and I must confer. We may have a more agreeable alternative.
[Spadaro and the Baron step aside to discuss some details.]
DON TORRISI: Did you know about this?
DON GALANTE: No, this is the first I've heard of it.
BARON FONTANELLA: I think I can convince him. Let me give him one more chance.
DON SPADARO: No.
[They leave... and one of the bandits shoots Don Galante in the head. They are positioned in the upper part of the factory and are shooting at the trapped men of Don Torrisi.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Don Galante!
ENZO: Move, move!
LUCA: Down!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Down! Get down!
[Luca manages to lift the table to protect the Don but gets shot in the side and falls to the floor. Other bandits start returning fire.]
LUCA: Enzo!
[He throws him his pistol.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Shit! Vincenzo!
LUCA: The walkway! They're shooting from above!
ENZO: Stay down! Keep the Don covered!
DON TORRISI: Take them out, Enzo!
ENZO: Stay behind something!
DON TORRISI: We're trapped here!
LUCA: Bernardo, I'm hit.
DON TORRISI: Where?
LUCA: My arm... My chest.
ENZO: You're hit?!
DON TORRISI: Let me see. Shit.
ENZO: Luca?!
DON TORRISI: Enzo, focus! (to Luca) Keep pressure on it.
LUCA: Minchia!
DON TORRISI: Those fucking bastards!
LUCA: It doesn't look good.
DON TORRISI: No, no. I've seen a lot worse. You'll be alright.
ENZO: He'll be okay?!
DON TORRISI: Enzo, hurry! We have to move! Enzo! Get over here, quickly..
ENZO: That's all of them. There'll be more outside.
[Don Torrisi throws Luca over his shoulder.]
DON TORRISI: Enzo, you're going to clear a path. Shoot straight. Don't hesitate. We have to reach Cesare.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You're going straight to hell, bastaddu!
DON TORRISI: Where the hell are our men?!
ENZO: Stay back! Let me handle this!
DON TORRISI: We're pinned! Do something, Enzo! Kill those bastards!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Fuck! They got out! Don't let them escape!
DON TORRISI: Get us out of this, Enzo! Take them out!
ENZO: Quickly, this way! Through here!
[Enzo kills all the attackers and notices that most of his family's men are also dead.]
ENZO: Minchia... All of them. Dead.
DON TORRISI: Cesare... Do you see Cesare?!
ENZO: I don't see him!
DON TORRISI: Then he's still out there... Let me check on Luca, then we find Cesare. And we all get out of here.
LUCA: How bad is it?
DON TORRISI: You're alright. Lot of fight left in you.
ENZO: We're dead if we don't find a way out.
DON TORRISI: So find one! We're making it out here.
[Enzo exits the factory grounds and immediately almost gets shot. A sniper is hiding in the distance.]
LEO: Get down! Up top, you see him? Work see him? Work your way around. I'll cover you.
ENZO: Thank God you're alive!
LEO: Where are the others?!
ENZO: Luca's been shot! Have you seen Cesare?!
LEO: I've seen no-one! That fucker has me pinned down, and I'm out of ammo. You need to clear him out!
ENZO: I got him!
LEO: Well, there's more of them! Keep them off me, Enzo, I'm out of bullets!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You and your friend are dead!
ENZO: Don't waste your breath...
LEO: Shit, more of them!
ENZO: I've got you covered!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Look out! Sniper!
ENZO: Strunzu!
LEO: Is that all you've got?
[They kill all of Spadaro's bandits. The Don approaches with Luca in his arms.]
DON TORRISI: Leone! Where's Enzo?!
LEO: Luca... Madunnuzza!
LUCA: Where's Cesare? The car?
DON TORRISI: Leone, this is your father's place. How do we get out?!
LEO: Uh, right right... Si, si... There's a side exit, through here. Maybe it's clear.
ENZO: Leo, your grandfather...
LEO: I know you wouldn't have left him behind.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Torrisi, he's here! Take him out!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We've got them cornered. They're going nowhere.
[Finally, they manage to reach the truck alive.]
ENZO: Cesare!
CESARE: Get in!
ENZO: Cesare! Grazie a Dio! Everyone, with me! We're getting out of here!
[He jumps into the back to help pull Luca in.]
ENZO: Turn him around.
LUCA: Easy! You want to finish the job?
[They drive away sharply. Two of Spadaro's men try to shoot at the car but unsuccessfully.]
CESARE: Where to?
LEO: Porto Almaro! Hole up in the bar!
[The Don hands Enzo a rifle.]
DON TORRISI: They'll follow. Get back there. Don't let them get close.
[Enzo shoots at the approaching cars. It's getting dark outside, and the cars emerge from the darkness with burning yellow-red headlights.]
CESARE: Luca... Bedda Matri! How is he?
DON TORRISI: He's a warrior! He's suffered worse. You just get us out of here in one piece. Enzo! That's more of them on our tail!
ENZO: I'm on it!
LEO: Spadaro sent everyone at us. The fucker will pay for what he did to my grandfather.
CESARE: Niccolò? Lla na mazzari! Oh, he'll pay alright!
LUCA: If this goes bad... Valentina, the boys... Look after them.
DON TORRISI: You'll look after them yourself. You're going to be fine, Luca.
CESARE: Keep them off us, Enzo! They're blocking the road!
DON TORRISI: Drive steady!
CESARE: Want to get there comfortable or alive?
LUCA: Damn it. What happened to the road?
DON TORRISI: Hold it together. We're almost out of this.
CESARE: More of them on us!
DON TORRISI: We're nearly there. We'll get you inside, get a doctor.
LUCA: Yes... A doctor...
[They stop at a bar.]
ENZO: Forza. Andiamo.
LEO: I have him. Come on.
[Luca is carefully led away, and at that moment, Spadaro's men's cars pull up.]
DON TORRISI: Nobody makes it inside this bar. U capisti?
ENZO: We'll take care of it. Get him inside.
CESARE: Come on.
ENZO: They're not giving up. They came all the way here!
CESARE: And they'll regret it. We don't leave a single one alive!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Finish the job!
ENZO: How many of these fottuti bastaddi are there?
CESARE: Stay on them! That's the last of them, for now.
ENZO: Let's get inside. Open up!
CESARE: They're gone.
ENZO: Luca!
LEO: Here, hold this. Put pressure on it. There's morphine, upstairs. The girls will show you.
LUCA: Where's the doctor?
ENZO: He's coming. You'll be alright, okay? You're alright. Resisti Luca, tranquillo.
[With his last breath, Luca says...]
LUCA: God forgive me... Enzo... Enzo, look at me. Get out... if you can. Get out.
ENZO: Luca. Luca. Luca. Luca! Luca! Luca!
[But he is already dead. The Don, devastated by the loss, looks away.]
CESARE: I've got it. I've got-
ENZO: Luca, svegliati!
[Cesare just crosses himself. Time passes. Enzo is lying in his apartment bed but can't sleep. He hears the sound of a car pulling up. Enzo takes a pistol and goes to the door.]
ENZO: Who is it?
ENRICO: Enrico. Open up.
ENZO: What do you want?
ENRICO: The Don needs to see you.
ENZO: About what?
ENRICO: That's between you and him. I'm just the messenger.
ENZO: You go on ahead. I'll get my things.
ENRICO: We'll be outside. Hurry up, will you?
[Enzo goes to the closet to get dressed. He is clearly on edge after everything that happened.]
ISABELLA'S PLEA
Why won't you talk to me about what happened? You were nearly killed. We all could have been. Ever since, you've been looking over your shoulder. Nothing my father asks you to do is worth risking your life.
I'm tired of this so-called business you are lost in. Seeing Luca and Valentina together, with their family. This is what I want, for us.
Every time you leave, I'm afraid you won't come back and that future will never be ours.
I love you,
Isabella
[He leaves the apartment.]
NEIGHBOR: What is all the noise about at this hour?
CESARE: Back inside, lady. This doesn't concern you.
NEIGHBOR: Sorry about her, signore. Doesn't see so well anymore, she gets startled...
CESARE: Swear I could feel eyes on me the whole way here... How are you doing?
ENZO: How do you think? All of this... It's hell.
CESARE: Did you manage to get some sleep?
ENZO: My eyes were closed. Don't know if you'd call it sleeping.
[They mount their horses.]
CESARE: At least it's quiet here. Feels like I've been awake for days.
ENZO: We're riding?
CESARE: It's safer this way. We can take the back roads. Keep your eyes open. Those bastards could be hiding anywhere. Tino's got men posted up on the roads in case they try to come and finish the job.
ENZO: Smart. Spadaro must smell blood.
CESARE: Him and that figgh'i buttana Fontanella. If they try it, they're not getting in easy. Tino's got the whole place set up like a garrison.
ENZO: You've seen this before, in ninety-six.
CESARE: Not like this. I was a kid, and nobody tried to kill a Don back then. No, this is something else.
ENZO: The Don sent you out here, alone?
CESARE: He's keeping things close. Doesn't want anyone else involved. Just you and me.
ENZO: You know what this is about?
CESARE: He didn't give me the details, but it's a job. Something big.
ENZO: A job? Now?
CESARE: What? If he asked us to go and bury every last Spadaro, after what they did, would you say no?
ENZO: No. It's not that... It's...
CESARE: Good, because we're the only ones he trusts. If he needs something done, we do it. Together.
FARMER: Minchia! Damn crows pick the land clean.
FARMER: All these early mornings are killing me.
FARMER: You'd rather work late into the night?
CESARE: You know what this means, with Luca gone? I'm going to have to step up, do the right thing for the family.
ENZO: Right.
CESARE: Not the way I wanted it, but we have to answer when called. And be ready for whatever comes next.
ENZO: I can't think about that now.
CESARE: Well, someone has to. The Don needs us, both of us. It makes sense me taking Luca's spot, but you have to be with me.
ENZO: I'm here aren't I?
CESARE: It's a lot of responsibility, but I can grow into it. That's what they say happens.
ENZO: Dealing with Tino every day?
CESARE: Hey, he's kept things going up there. And he's not as bad as I used to think. Yeah, me, my uncle, and Tino at the top. That's how it'll have to be. And we'll need you, too, of course.
[They ride closer to the Torrisi villa.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Thank God it's just you.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: What? You worried the whole Spadaro Clan would've been on their tail?
ENZO: Just feels wrong to even think about... To do anything. Without Luca.
CESARE: Keep expecting him to walk into the room, break my balls for sitting around... Never thought I'd miss that.
[They ride onto the villa grounds.]
CESARE: Don's waiting inside. Let's leave the horses with Gaspare.
GASPARE: Any trouble?
CESARE: No. We kept off the main roads. Alright, my uncle's waiting in the cellar. Let's go.
ENZO: And Luca... he's in there?
CESARE: They're keeping him here 'til the burial. Valentina doesn't want to take him home to the children. Not sure know yet.
ENZO: Maybe I should go see her?
CESARE: You can't do anything for her. Leave her be. We have business. You know I've never seen my uncle like this... He has something dark, behind his eyes. He's in here. Ready?
[Catching their breath, they enter through the massive wooden door of the wine cellar. The Don is standing over Luca's body, wrapped in a white shroud.]
CESARE: He's here, uncle.
DON TORRISI: Good. You did good. Sit.
[Cesare wants to sit down, but the Don stops him.]
DON TORRISI: Not you.
CESARE: But-
DON TORRISI: I've something to discuss with Enzo.
CESARE: I-
DON TORRISI: I won't say it again.
[Cesare leaves.]
DON TORRISI: Now, sit.
Betrayal burns because it can only come from someone close. An enemy can't hurt you like a friend. In hell, the lowest circle is reserved for sinners guilty of treachery. Fontanella's made a choice. And Spadaro won't stop now; he can't. All that I have... all that we have, will be lost. Unless we do what they can't expect.
ENZO: I'd do anything. For Luca, for this family.
DON TORRISI: I know you would. Word has reached me that they're settling their deal, in Palermo tonight. Out in the open, at the opera. Just another gentleman's agreement! Those snakes think that I'm finished. That they've nothing to fear in the city. That they'd be so certain is an insult! We have a friend in Palermo. He can get you where you need to go.
ENZO: I make those bastards pay... And then?
DON TORRISI: Then... Do what you must to make it back here. For your loyalty, this family will owe you a great debt.
[The Don puts a hand on Enzo's shoulder. He thinks hard about his words.]
DON TORRISI: Go meet the driver. He'll take you to Palermo. Our friend will get you into the Opera House. And close the door. I'll stay with Luca a while longer.
[Enzo exits the cellar and is immediately grabbed by Isabella and shoved into the opposite room. She is wearing a black funeral dress.]
ENZO: What are you doing down here?
ISABELLA: What is he asking you to do?
ENZO: Answer my question.
ISABELLA: Answer mine.
ENZO: I need to take care of something. I won't be gone for long.
ISABELLA: I'm sure that's what Luca told Valentina. Let me guess, he wants you to go alone?
ENZO: I can handle myself, Isabella.
[He wants to put his hand on her shoulder, but she pulls away.]
ENZO: I have to do this, for Luca.
ISABELLA: There's nothing you can do for Luca. Luca is gone. He died for my father, for his honor. I won't let you do the same. Enzo... I'm pregnant. I need you here, with me.
ENZO: I have no choice. Your father is...
ISABELLA: This would've been an easy decision for the man I thought you were.
[She leaves in a hurry.]
ENZO: Merda!
[He goes outside and walks to the cart.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Seen anything yet?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Nothing. Doesn't mean they're not coming. Are you changing over?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Soon as Bruno's awake. Don't know how he can sleep at a time like this...
CESARE: You keeping me waiting?
DRIVER: You want to be there on time, we need to get moving.
ENZO: I'm ready to go. What happens when we get to Palermo?
DRIVER: We're going to meet a friend of the family. He'll get you into the Opera House, quietly.
ENZO: Understood.
DRIVER: Guardie will be all over the city. A lot of unrest right now. Anarchists, violence... So we get in, you do your job, then we get out. That clear?
ENZO: Certo.
DRIVER: Then let's go. You can ride up front until we get closer.
[The cart slowly moves towards the city.]
Man: Close the window, would you? It's starting to rain.
Woman: Give me a minute.
Man: Hurry up!
[She drops some of the clothes she is hanging out.]
Woman: Now, look.
Man: How is that my fault?
[The cart drives right over the clothes that flew out of the window.]
NEWSPAPER SELLER: La Gazzetta di Palermo! Anarchist terror reaches new heights. Radicals target the government, industry, the rich, the powerful. Where will this peril strike next?
[Many rich and noble people arrive in the city.]
BARON FONTANELLA: Don Spadaro...
[He wants to hug Spadaro, but he just puts his hands on his hips.]
DON SPADARO: Was coming here really necessary?
BARON FONTANELLA: One has to keep up appearances.
DON SPADARO: We're wasting time. I will finish what we started. You will stop stalling, and sign Torrisi's land over to me. Only then will you have your money. Have I misunderstood our arrangement?
BARON FONTANELLA: Perhaps there is another way...
DON SPADARO: The time for second thoughts has long since passed Barone. Where I come from, commitment means everything. We are bound together, from now until the end.
[He puts his hand on the Baron's shoulder, but he carefully removes it.]
DON SPADARO: Cameriere! Bring me a bottle. Something expensive.
[Meanwhile, Enzo secretly enters the city in a cart. He looks at that same Empire Bay postcard and thinks grimly.]
DRIVER: Oh, fermo, fermo.
[The cart stops, and Enzo gets out, taking a box for cover. A priest opens the door for him.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: You've travelled far, my son. But you've made good time.
ENZO: A gift, from Don Torrisi. For your congregation.
[The box turns out to contain wine and a lot of money.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: All things considered, I think the Don has underestimated the size of my flock. But that is for me and my old friend to worry about. Come on.
[He takes the bribe and continues with Enzo.]
ENZO: Where are we going?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Away from prying eyes. The streets are crawling with guardie.
ENZO: I saw. Will they be a problem?
[They go down to the basement.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: With the anarchist attacks, no public event takes place without a police presence. Not the best time for an evening at the opera.
ENZO: I wouldn't be here if there was another option. But you have a way in? Unseen?
FATHER CLEMENTE: There are hidden pathways under Palermo that connect to the sewers. This is how you'll enter the Opera House.
ENZO: Sewers?
FATHER CLEMENTE: What? Thought you'd be walking in the back door? This way. Down here rest the dead of this city. The fortunate are preserved so that we may remember them. The rest are not so lucky. Either way, we are all just bones in the end. Our path lay beyond here. Come, move these out of the way.
ENZO: A priest with secret passages in his cellar...
FATHER CLEMENTE: I have not always been a priest. Come, this way.
ENZO: Are you... a friend of Don Torrisi?
FATHER CLEMENTE: I have commitments made a long time ago, that I will honor 'til my last day. You understand.
SMUGGLER'S MESSAGE
C,
I followed the water flow, past the cistern and toward the centre of the city, just as you said.
There was no sign of you at the meeting point. I waited all night, but the rain is getting heavy, the water rising.
Do you know what it cost me to come here? What I risked for this? The deal is off. I already have another buyer lined up.
Don’t contact me again.
-S
ENZO: What is this place?
FATHER CLEMENTE: These are the qanats. Ancient waterways that run under the city.
ENZO: Does anyone else know about these?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Smugglers, anarchists... Those of us who have business that can't be conducted in the open. It would seem the Baron's sins have caught up with him.
ENZO: You know who I'm here for.
FATHER CLEMENTE: He made his choices, as we must. You should be warned, him and his guest will be heavily guarded. Avoiding detection is your only hope. Someone must have come through here. This should be open.
ENZO: Anyone we need to worry about?
FATHER CLEMENTE: No one down here is interested in our affairs. The gate opens from the other side. You'll need to go under.
ENZO: Merda...
FATHER CLEMENTE: Down there. There should be space for you to get through.
ENZO: Water's rising down here.
FATHER CLEMENTE: The storm's getting heavier. Watch how you tread.
[Enzo finds a dilapidated skeleton.]
ENZO: Cristo... What happened to you?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Over here! Raise the gate!
FATHER CLEMENTE: Good. Let's keep moving.
ENZO: Father - may I ask you a question? Is it a sin to choose happiness over duty?
FATHER CLEMENTE: We all have many obligations, but we only find joy in the path the Lord has set for us.
[Voices are heard from afar... voices that shouldn't be here.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: Wait! What was that? You go ahead and investigate. If they catch us now, it's over.
GUARDIA: Hey! There's no one up here. Can we move on?
GUARDIA: Not yet. Have to check meter by meter. Could be explosives, like in Naples.
ENZO: Merda!
GUARDIA: Minchia... Stinks like shit....
GUARDIA: Sooner we search it, sooner we can go home. Find Donati, he should be here already.
GUARDIA: Yes, sir.
GUARDIA: Donati, are you back here? Trust him to wander off...
[Enzo quietly and carefully strangles the policemen.]
GUARDIA: No sign of anything down here. Wasting our time...
GUARDIA: Those are the orders. Opera's a prime target.
GUARDIA: That's five of us off the streets, chasing shadows.
[Enzo kills the entire police squad, strangling them one by one.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: You're aware mercy is a virtue?
ENZO: They got in the way, Father. Forgive me.
FATHER CLEMENTE: Bodies aren't even cold and he asks for forgiveness... That ladder leads to the basement of the Opera House. Listen carefully. The performance still has a way to go. The Baron will be seated in the Royal Box.
ENZO: Where is that?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Opposite the stage, second floor. Just keep heading up. And you must approach in silence. If the guardie are alerted, the Baron will be gone.
ENZO: Thank you, Padre.
FATHER CLEMENTE: May the Lord guide you onward.
[Enzo climbs the stairs and gets out by moving the manhole cover. He continues to quietly sneak through the opera house, as it is also packed with police.]
GUARDIA: Signore, you can't be back here.
ACTOR: What do you mean? This is our dressing room. There are no anarchists here!
GUARDIA: Just do as you're told and move. Get changed somewhere else.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO SCRIPT
MARQUIS
Vile seducer! Shameless daughter!
LEONORA (running and throwing herself at his feet)
No, father -
MARQUIS
I am your father no more.
DON ALVARO (to the Marquis)
I alone am the guilty one. (baring his chest) Strike - have your revenge -
MARQUIS (to Don Alvaro)
No, your conduct shows the baseness of your origins -
DON ALVARO
Sir!
MARQUIS (to Leonora)
Stand aside. (to the servants) Arrest the scoundrel.
DON ALVARO (redrawing his pistol)
Whoever moves shall die.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR NIGHT WATCH
City of Palermo - Corpo Reale Di Polizia Notice
16th May 1907
For the attention of all officers on duty at the Teatro dell’opera di Sicilia.
As you are aware, you have been assigned to safeguard the building from anarchist attacks.
There are several special guests in attendance for the evening performance of the 17th May. We must ensure they are protected at all costs.
Contessa Merisa and Signor Massimo Pecerelli are seated in the East Balcony and will have two officers with them at all times throughout the night.
Baron Fontanella di San Celeste will be seated with his guest, Ruggero Spadaro, in the Royal Box. They have requested that officers remain outside of the box, and we must honor this.
If you see anything suspicious, or encounter any problem, report it up the chain of command immediately.
Colonnello Morici
GUARDIA: Apparently Baron Fontanella has a guest this evening in the Royal Box. Some rough looking fellow.
GUARDIA: At least he hasn't brought that insufferable son of his.
ACTOR: She knows no Latin, but she can cook. Let the student say grace. Then let us, too, kneel in prayer. Can't get into character with the guardie breathing down my neck...
ACTRESS: Be grateful. They're here to protect us.
ACTOR: Protect us? Ha! If there was an attack, we'd be thrown to the wolves so they could protect the rich out there.
GUARDIA: Final warning. Move on. No access beyond this point.
THEATERGOER: What do you mean? I paid good money for these seats!
GUARDIA: With the recent attacks, we've closed off these boxes for official use. It's for your safety, of course.
GUARDIA: Rich bastards never worked a day in their lives...
DRUNK THEATERGOER: I was told there would be food... There's only music... So much music... Boo! Booo!
GUARDIA: Signore, any more disturbances and you'll need to leave.
DRUNK THEATERGOER: Me? Disturb anyone? Ridiculous accusations... No, no...
GUARDIA: Keep an eye on him... And don't let him near the bar.
GUARDIA: You need to leave. This is strictly a guardie operation.
SECURITY: We've been paid to be here. Don Spadaro's private security.
GUARDIA: He should have informed us this would be the case.
SECURITY: You got a problem, take it up with the boss himself. He'll be back soon.
[Finally, after passing through countless corridors of the opera house, Enzo manages to reach the special box where the Baron is seated. Enzo sneaks up behind him and grabs him, putting a knife to his throat.]
ENZO: Your greed saw a saw a good man die. People mourn him. Who the fuck will grieve for you?
[In a rage, he presses the knife too hard, and blood drips from the Baron's neck onto a theatergoer's shoulder. Suddenly, Spadaro enters. Enzo immediately slits the Baron's throat and throws his corpse into the auditorium, only realizing a moment later what he has done.]
DON SPADARO: You! Get in there now!
[Spadaro calls for guards. Panic and shooting break out in the theater. Enzo follows Spadaro to finish him off.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Go! Go!
SECURITY: You're dead!
SECURITY: You won't get away with this, you bastard!
DON SPADARO: Kill that bastaddu!
ENZO: I'll end you, Spadaro!
DON SPADARO: He's coming after me! Stop him!
ENZO: Where are you running? Fucking coward!
SECURITY: This'll keep him back!
DON SPADARO: Hit him with everything! Burn in hell, carusu!
ENZO: Agh! Minchia! Cristo!
[He furiously pursues Spadaro into a cellar that is engulfed in flames, fighting a dozen bandits along the way. Skillfully wielding a shotgun, Enzo eliminates them one by one.]
DON SPADARO: Don't let him follow!
[He descends into the sewer. Enzo follows him, blocking the way behind him to prevent anyone from coming from the rear.]
DON SPADARO: Cugghiuni! You don't give up! I should have known Torrisi would send his favorite pet. You'll die for your loyalty, carusu. Your boss won't care. You'll be right at home down here, mine rat!
ENZO: You can't run Spadaro. Not from what you've done.
[As Enzo walks through a narrow, flooded passage, Spadaro jumps out from around the corner but misses Enzo.]
DON SPADARO: Merda!
ENZO: That was your chance, bastaddu!
DON SPADARO: You'll regret this, mine rat! Kill him! Let him rot down here!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You're not going any further!
DON SPADARO: Kill him! Let him rot down here!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You're not going any further!
[Finally, Spadaro has nowhere left to run and decides to attack Enzo with a knife, but he fails at that too. A knife duel begins!]
DON SPADARO: You know, your father sold you to me for one hundred lire. He got a good deal...
ENZO: You don't remember him. Until I cut open your man's face, I was nobody to anyone. But now you know me.
DON SPADARO: Look at you. Has anything changed? You're a hundred miles from that stinking pit you crawled out from, but still doing a master's bidding.
ENZO: You killed Luca Trapani. And I'll make you answer for that. Nobody else.
DON SPADARO: So... come on then... You've got balls, mine rat, I'll give you that. But this ends now. Not so confident now, boy. Nowhere to run. Shame, that's what you do best isn't it?
ENZO: I finish what I start.
DON SPADARO: Torrisi sent you alone? To die? You're disposable, just a weapon. Stop that, carusu! You can't... Leave me down here...
[Enzo wins and stabs the knife into Don Spadaro's throat. He wipes the knife on his corpse and takes the ring from his finger that the miners once kissed. Hearing a rustle, he raises his pistol... It's the priest. It seems he killed one of the bandits himself.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: Big night, I gather?
ENZO: What happened to him?
FATHER CLEMENTE: This figgh'i buttana? He'll wake up, far from here. Head so sore he won't remember his name.
ENZO: You didn't need to get involved.
FATHER CLEMENTE: The Lord forgives. Don Torrisi does not. Besides, he raised a weapon against a man of God.
ENZO: What about the others?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Leave them to me. Few more corpses down here makes little difference. You need to go.
ENZO: Thank you, Padre.
FATHER CLEMENTE: Tell Bernardo he owes me. Get going.
[He notices that policemen are approaching...]
SERGEANT: Father, you should get these gates closed. There's been an incident. Entire district's being searched.
FATHER CLEMENTE: More of this anarchist menace?
SERGEANT: Seems so. Baron Fontanella was murdered, at the opera.
FATHER CLEMENTE: My God...
SERGEANT: Seen or heard anything this evening?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Can't say I have.
SERGEANT: Better secure these and get inside. Late hour for a delivery, no?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Loan from San Roberto's. Early mass and my idiota deacon caused quite the accident in the storeroom. You wouldn't believe the mess down there.
[Enzo keeps his pistol ready to shoot at any moment if he is discovered.]
OFFICER: Sir! There's been a sighting!
SERGEANT: Get going. And lock these gates, Father.
DRIVER: Andiamo!
VILLA TORRISI
[Enzo comes to his Don's office.]
ENZO: It's done. Both of them.
[He places the ring taken from Spadaro's finger on the table. Don Torrisi picks it up and smirks.]
DON TORRISI: My most dutiful soldier.
[He kisses him on both cheeks.]
DON TORRISI: A new world is upon us, Enzo. And I'll need men like you by my side. You did right by Luca. You did right by this family. I'm proud of what you've become.
ENZO: Thank you, Don Torrisi.
[He leaves without ever asking for the main thing.]
DON TORRISI: We buried him, by the way. Up at the chapel. Go pay your respects, when you're ready.
[Enzo goes to say goodbye to Luca.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Notice Enzo's been away?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: The Don sent him to take care of something. Wouldn't say what it was.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He's with the Signuri now. A shame.
VILLAGER: Valentina's like a ghost. I don't know how to help her.
VILLAGER: She won't eat. It worries me.
VILLAGER: To grow up without a father... Those poor children.
[Cesare sits at the entrance to the villa with a rifle in his hands - he is now a kind of guard. He is in a gloomy mood.]
CESARE: Move it. Enzo. You're back.
ENZO: How are you doing?
CESARE: Good trip? Not that you'll tell me about any of it.
ENZO: It was business, you know that.
CESARE: Hope you raised hell, wherever it was.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: If it was anyone else, Luca would've unleashed hell on Spadaro.
[Enzo approaches the small church located on the mountain near the villa. The priest greets him, getting up from the bench.]
FATHER CICCONE: Lord be with you, Enzo.
ENZO: Apologies, Father. I missed the burial. I hope I can still pay my respects.
FATHER CICCONE: Certainly. Remember, blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
ENZO: Thank you, Father.
[He goes to a grave in the church cemetery.]
ENZO: I'm sorry, Luca. You gave everything. But it wasn't enough. Now your boys are left without a father. So, I know you'll understand what I have to do. I was willing to die for this family. But now I have to live for my own.
[Isabella has been quietly watching from the side all this time.]
ISABELLA: Father Ciccone gave a good service. It's a shame you missed it.
ENZO: What you told me... About our child... I'm sorry, I didn't know what to say.
ISABELLA: And now?
ENZO: I'll never leave you again, Isabella. I won't die for another man's pride. And I promise that our child will have everything we never had.
ISABELLA: I can't stay Enzo. My father will never forgive me.
ENZO: Then we leave. Together. To America. When the time is right.
ISABELLA: Then you choose to be the man I love.
ENZO: I choose us. Our family.
[He gently touches her stomach. Isabella takes his hand. They stand silently by Luca's grave for a few minutes.]
LA FINE DI TUTTO
[The cooks from the beginning of the game are dragging two bandits to a car.]
IGNAZIO: Non ho fatto... please! I didn't do, I didn't do anything. Please! Non ho fatto nien- Non ho fatto niente!
[He is silenced with a blow to the stomach and shoved into the car.]
FEDE: Oh, the wanderer returns. Where have you been?
ENZO: Nowhere. Been busy.
FEDE: If it's a woman, just tell us, huh?
[Enzo's voice becomes more serious.]
ENZO: Like I said. Busy. So, what are we doing here?
FEDE: You're going in there. Don's orders.
[Enzo enters the shed where Don Torrisi is beating Ignazio almost to death with his bare hands. Tino stands nearby, smoking his pipe as usual.]
DON TORRISI: Just the man I wanted to see.
[He places a bloody hand on Enzo's shoulder.]
DON TORRISI: They all tell the truth in the end. Test'i minchia!
[He kicks the already dead Ignazio to the floor and spits on him.]
DON TORRISI: I told you before the family owed you a great debt. Now I'm in a position to make you whole. My respect, my gratitude, whatever that means to you, you have it. That mine that you crawled out of now belongs to me. You know how it works so you're the man in charge. This will make you a very rich man, Enzo. You'll have everything you ever wanted. Everything you deserve. Still a few loose ends to tie up. Tino will let you know who. I'm proud of you, Enzo. Of what you've become.
[The Don leaves and from a distance orders the corpse to be buried.]
DON TORRISI: Get this pezzu di merda out of here. Tino knows where to bury him.
TINO: Put human the back, then get in. You're driving.
[Enzo puts the corpse in the back seat and gets behind the wheel himself.]
TINO: You know the Romano farm?
ENZO: I know it.
TINO: Good. We'll dump him there. Down in the pig shit where he belongs. Take a left ahead. Peasants the other way.
ENZO: The Don said there were some loose ends. What did he mean?
TINO: Spadaro's captains have gone to ground Dino Mazzone. Matteo Costa, Domizio Caccini. We can't leave these men alive.
ENZO: Where are they?
TINO: Hiding. But our friend in the back's given us enough to start sniffing them out. I have men hunting for them already. Quite a step up, your new job.
ENZO: I thought that the Don hated those mines.
TINO: The Don likes money, same as anyone. The same as Fontanella.
ENZO: Fontanella? But the Barons dead.
TINO: Gennaro Fontanella, his son, idiota. The shameless wretch came with a deal, the day after his father's funeral. If you'd been around, you'd know this.
ENZO: A deal?
TINO: The Don takes care of the mine. And the new Baron takes care of Isabella, as his wife. Pull up here and get the body out of the back.
[Enzo stops at a small, semi-abandoned farm and throws the corpse over his shoulder. Guido has already prepared the grave.]
GUIDO: Enzo, Tino.
ENZO: Guido.
TINO: You do what I asked?
GUIDO: I dug the hole, it's all ready.
TINO: Good. Looks wide enough for two.
[He pulls out a pistol and kills Guido. His corpse falls into the grave he dug himself.]
ENZO: Minchia! What are you doing?
TINO: Bastaddu was working with the Spadaros.
ENZO: Guido?! With the Spadaros?
TINO: You talk outside of this family, you suffer the consequences. He's paid for his disloyalty. Now stop staring and throw the other one in there. That's two down. Now, you deal with the rest. Go to the vineyard, and fetch Cesare. He's expecting you.
[Enzo mounts a horse and rides to Cesare. He thinks as he rides.]
ENZO: Guido, with the Spadaros... Minchia.
[He returns to the Torrisi villa to Cesare.]
CESARE: The man of the hour finally shows his face. Over here.
[Enzo dismounts and approaches Cesare. He is standing next to a pile of boxes and barrels.]
ENZO: What's all this?
CESARE: Junk from the mine. How's this news to you? You not running the place now?
ENZO: Um... Your uncle just told me about that.
CESARE: Well, you don't sound too excited. An operation like this just falls into your lap... Some gratitude.
ENZO: It's a lot to think about, that's all.
CESARE: Know what I have to think about? Nenti, nothing. Except these three Spadaro assholes.
ENZO: Oh, what's the problem?
CESARE: Nothing. Like I said, I have nothing to worry about after we finish these strunzi. Now I'll go after Caccini. You go for Mazzone.
ENZO: You don't want to do this together?
CESARE: I want this over with, quickly as possible. Valerio has a lead on Mazzone. He's been tracking him near Casale del Re, the ruined village in the forest.
ENZO: I'll find him.
CESARE: When you're done, meet me at the church on the road to Porto Almaro. That's where Costa's holed up.
ENZO: I'll be there. Hey, you seen Valentina?
CESARE: I saw her in the kitchen. But get going soon, alright? I don't want to drag this out.
[Enzo goes to talk to Valentina.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enzo heard the good news. A big step up running the mine.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Oh! Here he is! The man from Palermo. If you need a few reliable hands. You know where to find us.
CESARE: What are you waiting for? Get back down to the mine and fill her up with as much as you can fit!
[Enzo enters the main house.]
ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS
19th June, 1907
OPERA ATTACKER STILL AT LARGE
One month has passed since the outrage at the Teatro dell’Opera di Sicilia in Palermo, which claimed the lives of several police officers and the esteemed Barone Raffaele Vittorio Fontanella. Yet, no arrests have been made.
In a statement addressed to the city administration, Palermo Police Chief Eligio Salimbeni stated only that investigations remain ongoing. He suggested that anarchist movements within Sicily are likely tied to this act of terror, but would share no further details.
When pressed by concerned attendees about the likelihood of further attacks, Salimbeni urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
[Enzo enters the kitchen where he finds Valentina and Isabella. Valentina leaves, allowing the lovers to talk.]
ISABELLA: I have everything ready. When is this happening? When, Enzo?
ENZO: Soon.
ISABELLA: It feels like my heart will burst at any moment.
ENZO: There's just one last thing I have to do.
ISABELLA: Be careful. Tino's been sniffing around, suspicious of something.
ENZO: Of course. I'll be careful.
ISABELLA: We're so close now.
ENZO: Si.
[They kiss tenderly.]
ISABELLA: Ti amo.
ENZO: Ti amo anch'io.
[Enzo exits the kitchen.]
VALENTINA: Enzo. A moment.
ENZO: Valentina, I wanted to give you this.
[He hands her an envelope with money.]
VALENTINA: I'm not helping you for money.
ENZO: I know you're not. It's for the boys. Please.
VALENTINA: Thank you, Enzo. Now, take that girl, and find a better life than this. For all three of you. Before it's too late.
ENZO: I will, but I can't make any sudden moves. The Don will know something's going on. Soon, when the time's right, we will go.
[He walks towards the exit.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enzo! I brought you a car round, just outside.
ENZO: Ah, grazie.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Anything else I can help with just say the word.
ENZO: Right.
[He gets into the car and drives to Valerio.]
VALERIO: You made it. Where's Cesare?
ENZO: We decided to split up. I heard you've been hunting.
VALERIO: I have. Mazzone is hiding out in the old village, just up the forest path.
ENZO: How many men?
VALERIO: A dozen, I'd say. He's a cornered dog, Enzo. Be careful.
ENZO: I always am.
VALERIO: I brought some tools. Take what you need.
ENZO: Grazie.
[He arms himself and ventures into the thick of the forest, trying to be quiet. Soon he hears voices.]
MAZZONE: This is all Spadaro's fault. Overplayed his hand, and now we're done for.
ENZO: That's them. Should be quiet now.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: What's the plan?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We survive. Take out anyone that comes through here.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: That's it? And then what?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We worry about that for now. Hopefully one of the others will take the reins and get us out of this mess.
[Enzo kills the bandits one by one by quietly sneaking up from behind.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You spoke to Mazzone, right? Any word from the other captains?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: He didn't say. He's not thinking straight. Just keeps cleaning his gun. A captain should lead, not whatever this is.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We should take the fight to Torrisi. Burn down his vineyard. Hit him with everything we've got.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Just us? Are you out of your mind? Face it, we're done...
SPADARO MAFIOSO: So what? We just wait here, in the woods?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Be glad we're still alive. Idiota.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We slip away now, we might have a chance.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You can't just leave. Where will you go?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: I don't know. But we're dead if we stay here.
[Finally, Enzo finds Mazzone, who clearly understands the situation he is in.]
MAZZONE: Cowering in the woods, like a fucking dog. Spadaro... you bastaddu.
[By tossing a coin, Enzo distracts Mazzone and kills him by stabbing a knife into his side.]
ENZO: Buona notte.
MAZZONE'S LETTER
Amadeo, send the following in a telegram to Teodoro Ippoliti. He’s at 127 Maple Street, Lost Heaven, North County, United States.
Teodoro,
I heard you've made quite a success of yourself in America. Your mamma, God rest her soul, she wrote to me for a while. Told me all about Lost Heaven. I was sorry to hear of her passing.
I too have done well for myself, in Sicily. But things, as they are, have turned against me. I’m in a bit of a situation, and could use your help. I need to leave. As soon as possible.
You get me a ticket out of here, to America, and I'll do whatever you need of me. I’m not afraid of hard work, getting my hands dirty.
Please, do not delay though. If you can help me, send the money to my mother. She knows where to find me. I’m sure you remember her address.
Your amico,
Mazzone.
ENZO: I should go find Cesare.
[He gallops to Cesare, and not in vain - he is already in a shootout.]
ENZO: Cesare!
CESARE: Over here!
CACCINI: Let's kill this bastaddu!
CESARE: There he is! Shoot that sucaminchia! You took your time. Thought maybe you got lost in the forest.
ENZO: Just keep shooting!
CESARE: Run while you still can, we only want Caccini! Minchia, he's getting away! Quick, in the car! Let's go! This bastard can't get away. We need to kill him!
[They jump into the race car and give chase.]
ENZO: You should have waited for me! We could have taken care of this quietly, avoided all of this.
CESARE: I want them all gone! I’m not waiting around. Besides, I want to see him run.
ENZO: Still should have waited!
CESARE: Just stay on him it's over sooner if you don't drive like a nonna!
CESARE: Just shoot him already!
ENZO: He's heading for the salt flats!
CESARE: Looks like he brought some friends. Well, there's going to be a few more widows.
[They stop the car and continue the chase on foot.]
CESARE: We got the snake. What about Mazzone?
ENZO: He's dead.
CESARE: Then there's only one left. Tino was going to look for him. Let's finish this once and for all.
[After killing Caccini, they return to the car.]
CESARE: Let's get to the village overlooking Porto Almaro. Tino said he'd meet us there.
ENZO: I hope this is the end of it.
CESARE: So where have you been the last couple weeks?
ENZO: I've been busy.
CESARE: Busy with what?
ENZO: Visiting Luca's people. Letting them know we're still in business.
CESARE: Listen to you. All about the business. Did you hear about Guido?
ENZO: I did. Tino took care of him.
CESARE: Good. That bastard ate from our table, lying to us the whole time.
ENZO: He must have had his reasons.
CESARE: Fuck him and his reasons. He got what he deserved. So... you're still committed to all of this?
ENZO: What are you asking?
CESARE: You've not been around, Enzo. And it's not just me who's noticed.
ENZO: I told you. I've been busy.
CESARE: Well after today, this should be your only priority. Things are different now. I'm relying on you.
ENZO: Let's just worry about finishing the job, alright?
CARLO: About time. You boys get lost?
CESARE: We've been busy. Did you find our man?
FEDE: We did. Tino's waiting by the building back there.
TINO: Are the others dealt with?
CESARE: They're gone. No problems.
TINO: Then this maggot is all that's left of them. He's cowering in the church. But I don't think God is going to offer him much in the way of protection. Get it done.
CESARE: Let's go, Enzo.
[The shootout begins almost immediately.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Dammit! Torrisi sent his men!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You and your friend are dead!
ENZO: Minchia!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Leave while you still can!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: I hope you've made peace with God!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: The devil will take both of you!
[Enzo and Cesare kill all the bandits guarding the church.]
CESARE: This way. Coward must be inside the church.
TINO: Good. Now, this ends.
CESARE: (loudly) Matteo Costa! This is it for you! Get out here, you fucking coward!
[Father Ciccone stands at the church threshold.]
FATHER CICCONE: Please, come no further!
CESARE: Out of the way, Father.
FATHER CICCONE: This is a church, a place of worship. To bring violence, bloodshed inside... It's unthinkable.
CESARE: (loudly) All of your men are dead! The other captains, dead! It's over for you.
ENZO: You should leave, Father. There's nothing you can do here.
CESARE: Enough waiting. I'm going inside.
[Suddenly, the church door opens...]
COSTA: Don't shoot! I'm unarmed.
CESARE: What is this? You hide behind a priest now?
COSTA: You've won. I'm all that's left. But listen, please, I have a wife. A son.
CESARE: Enzo, did you leave your balls at home? Shoot this prick!
TINO: Enzo, kill this figgh'i buttana.
COSTA: You don't have to do this. I'll go away! Leave Sicily! You'll never hear from me again. Please.
TINO: Shoot him!
FATHER CICCONE: Oh Lord, give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me.
TINO: Somebody shoot this man!
[Enzo hesitates, imagining himself in Matteo's place. Cesare kills him.]
FATHER CICCONE: He begged for mercy! This... This is a house of God!
TINO: And yet you let the wretched bastaddu in.
FATHER CICCONE: Agostino please, he sought refuge. How could I deny him?
TINO: When you drink wine at our feasts. Hold out your begging bowl for this and that. When you listen to the confessions of our women for some whisper of a thrill.
FATHER CICCONE: W-What? No....
TINO: It means you serve a higher power. And it isn't our Lord almighty.
ENZO: Tino.
FATHER CICCONE: There is no reason, please.
TINO: We need to clear a few things up, you and me. Don't worry about this. The father knows how to turn a blind eye, when he wants to.
FATHER CICCONE: Please!
[Tino pushes the priest into the church.]
CESARE: Leave him to it. Come on.
Bar Caffè Ginevra
THE END OF THE NIGHT
[Enzo and Cesare get drunk in a bar.]
CESARE: Another one, let's do another one. To Ruggero Spadaro! May the devil has his way with you for all eternity. Salute!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Salute!
PROSTITUTE: Salute!
CESARE: Here he is, the big boss himself. King of the Carusi. The world is ours now. And you're moving up in it. Just don't forget the rest of us, all down here.
ENZO: What are you talking about?
CESARE: It's nothing... I'm sorry. I'm happy for you. You've done well, Enzo, really. Now, onto serious business. Ladies!
[He leaves with two prostitutes and a smile on his face. Leo Galante approaches Enzo.]
LEO: That thing we talked about. Don't worry about him. If you go, stay gone. That's my advice. All my business here is done. We'll be on our way soon. Inside, there's an address. Franco's cousin. You get over the water, you write him, alright? He'll know where we wash up.
[He examines the envelope for a long time.]
ENZO: Thank you, Leo.
[They hug.]
LEO: Buona fortuna, Enzo.
ENZO: A prestu.
LEO: A prestu.
[Enzo leaves, and Leo pours a drink for himself and his bartender friend.]
LEO: Justice is ours. Here's to you, old man.
[He nods to the portrait of the old Don Galante.]
ENZO: (offscreen) Amore mio. Just a few more days and we will be far away from here. I have everything prepared. The train will take us to Palermo, then we'll board the ship to America. Make sure you're ready to leave. I will see you soon. Until then, hold tight. Enzo.
WORKER: Torrisi let you go?
WORKER: Not just me. A whole group of us.
WORKER: I heard he'll be running the mine in Collezolfo. Maybe that has something to do with it.
A CONCERNED NEIGHBOR
Valentina,
What you are going through is a terrible thing, and I do not mean to pry, but you have not left the house in several days. I worry about you, we all do.
I have made you some pasta ‘ncasciata, I know it is little Samuele’s favorite. Please, look after yourselves.
We are all here if you need us.
Dorotea
AVVISI FUNEBRI - LUCA
GIANLUCA TRAPANI
Passed May 15th 1907
A beloved husband and father.
A private burial has taken place at the Torrisi vineyard, but we encourage anyone who would like to pay their respects at his graveside to do so.
‘For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
[Enzo approaches Valentina's house.]
ENZO: Ciao, Valentina. Is your mother visiting?
VALENTINA: We're alone today. Poor thing, he's had a fever. I should check. I almost forgot. I have something for you. For the little one.
[She hands over a small package.]
ISABELLA: Thank you.
[She takes the package, her suitcase, and leaves the house. Valentina addresses Enzo.]
VALENTINA: You look after her.
ENZO: I will.
[He gets into the car where Isabella is already sitting.]
ENZO: Do you have everything?
ISABELLA: I have you. Nothing else matters. Do you think she'll be alright?
ENZO: Valentina will be looked after. Your father will see to that.
ISABELLA: I don't mean like that. I worry about him. About what he might do if he knew she helped us.
ENZO: Valentina can keep a secret. She's already proven that. I'm sorry you weren't able to say goodbye to your father.
ISABELLA: There would have been no way to speak to him without raising hell. Looking at the mountain, that might be happening anyway. I watched the smoke all night, until Valentina came.
ENZO: Was it hard to get out?
ISABELLA: I kept my head down, but the roads were empty. With the mountain like that, people are staying inside.
ENZO: I haven't seen it do this for years. Soon we won't have to worry about any of it. Not the mountain, not this place. The moment we step foot on that boat, we're free.
ISABELLA: I've never been on a boat before, only watched them come and go at the docks.
ENZO: Neither have I. Never took much notice of them. Haven't had a reason to until now.
[He notices a familiar face on the road and brakes.]
ENZO: Minchia... That's Daniele up ahead. One of your father's men.
ISABELLA: What do we do?
ENZO: I'll handle it.
DANIELE: Enzo!
ENZO: Daniele.
DANIELE: Signorina. I didn't realize it was you. Going somewhere?
ENZO: The Don asked me to escort Isabella to Porto Almaro. Gennaro Fontanella has sent gifts. There's some paperwork.
DANIELE: The new Baron Fontanella? Must be something special if they're holding them down there. Don't let me keep you.
[Enzo drives away hastily.]
ENZO: [Exhaling]
ISABELLA: Keep driving. That was too close.
ENZO: See, even out here, we can't breathe. Not until we leave this place. We won't be the last to go. People want to have some happiness, to leave the old ways behind. I wish Luca had seen that.
ISABELLA: Nothing can change that now. We have to live our lives, freely. Do that for him. From today, we choose who we are, finally. Here we are.
[Finally, they arrive at the train station.]
ISABELLA: Are you ready to do this?
ENZO: Yes.
[They kiss.]
ENZO: There's so much I've wanted to tell you. I just couldn't find the words. Everything I have to say is here.
[He hands Isabella the envelope, and then gives her the wooden horse, exactly like the one we saw at the beginning of the game.]
ENZO: I had one just like it, when I was a boy. But their life will be different. I promise you that.
[However... Tino with a large number of men is already waiting for them at the station.]
TINO: Leaving without saying goodbye?
ISABELLA: Enzo!
[Enzo tries to fight back but is quickly grabbed by the arms. Tino pulls out a revolver.]
TINO: I always knew you were trouble, carusu. Now you're going to get what's coming to you.
ISABELLA: Get your hands off me!
TINO: And he's not the only one. Father Ciccone told us all about your dirty little secret. It broke your father's heart. So much for the sanctity of the confessional.
[She spits in Tino's face.]
ISABELLA: You bastard!
ENZO: Let her go!
TINO: But your sins may yet be absolved. Your father has made arrangements.
[He waves the revolver's barrel near Isabella's stomach, hinting at an abortion.]
ENZO: No! No! No!
TINO: Pick it up. I said "pick it up"!
[Isabella takes her suitcase.]
TINO: Get him out of here.
ISABELLA: Enzo! I love you!
ENZO: I'll find you! I'll find you!
[He tries to fight back but is hit on the head, and Enzo loses consciousness.]
ISABELLA: No!
[He comes to his senses riding in the back of a truck with Cesare.]
CESARE: Susiti, carusu!
ENZO: Agh... Cesare, no... Please...
CESARE: What the fuck were you thinking? You could've had any girl in Sicily, any girl in the God damn world... Why her?
ENZO: I love her. I've always loved her.
CESARE: I don't want to hear it! You thought you could just run off and disappear together?
ENZO: This life destroys everything good. I had to make a choice.
CESARE: Minchia! You ruined it... You've thrown away everything my uncle's given you.
ENZO: What's he given me? Huh? He's made me a thief, Cesare, a murderer!
CESARE: You did that! You pulled the trigger, always! You chose this.
FEDE: We have a problem back there? Need something to cover his mouth?
CESARE: I'm handling it. Just drive.
ENZO: You saw what happened to Luca. It's only a matter of time before it's me, or you.
CESARE: You stood in that cellar and swore loyalty. You took an oath!
ENZO: Just don't let anything happen to her. The baby. Please, Cesare, they're all I have.
CESARE: Enough! You don't get a say in this. Every word you've spoken to me is a lie. Lla na mazzari... We were friends!
[They arrive at the Collezolfo mines, which are now under Don Torrisi's control... Enzo's hands are tied.]
CESARE: Get out.
CARLO: Welcome back, carusu.
FEDE: Smells like home, huh?
CESARE: Keep walking.
ENZO: Cesare, please-
CESARE: Stop. Stop talking.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: More bad news, I'm guessing?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: It only ever gets worse...
ENZO: The mountain's smoking. We shouldn't be here.
CESARE: Stop trying to get out of this. You can't. The Don has made up his mind.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Did you find out what happened?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: No.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Mind your business.
CESARE: You two wait outside, in case he tries anything.
[He leads him to the mine management building where Don Torrisi himself is located.]
DON TORRISI: Cut him loose. (screams) Untie his fucking hands.
ENZO: Don Torrisi.
[The Don punches him in the stomach.]
ENZO: I love her.
[The Don hits him again.]
DON TORRISI: I welcome you into my family...
[He hits Enzo in the face. Enzo falls to one knee.]
DON TORRISI: And you betray me from the start.
DON TORRISI: Are you a man? (screams) Put up your hands!
[However, Enzo does not want to defend himself and only takes the beating. The Don begins to choke him, pinning him to a table.]
DON TORRISI: You think I would allow it? Huh? A carusu? Let you ruin her? Isabella will marry who I tell her to marry. The new Baron Fontanella. And she will live happily ever after. Because I have a doctor that will wipe every trace of you from this earth, understand?
CESARE: But Isabella-
DON TORRISI: (screams) You shut up!
ENZO: I beg you, Don Torrisi. Please!
[The Don turns to Cesare.]
DON TORRISI: He was a member of a brotherhood. Now he's nothing. If rules aren't upheld, what use are they? You show me you have what it takes. You want to be someone? You take your knife and end him. Cut his fucking throat!
[Cesare silently pulls out a knife...]
ENZO: No, no...
[However... an eruption begins. The house shakes a little.]
CESARE: What?!
[Seizing the moment of confusion, Enzo grabs Cesare and jumps out of the window with him.]
CESARE: No! No! There's only one way out now. You knew that when you said the words!
ENZO: She's... She's your cousin, Cesare.
CESARE: Whatever happens to her is because of you.
ENZO: Please.
[He still has to fight his friend.]
ENZO: The mountain... We'll be buried here.
CESARE: Then I'll make this quick.
ENZO: Put the knife down. We can stop this now. Walk away together.
CESARE: You think I'd go anywhere with you, carusu? Minchia!
ENZO: Agh!
[He jumps on Cesare and starts punching him.]
ENZO: No one will touch her! Not you, not your uncle!
[Cesare throws a handful of sand in his face and breaks free from the hold. The knife fight continues.]
CESARE: Enough! We finish this!
CESARE: All you ever did was fuck everything up! What was that? Please. Enzo...
[Wounded and tired, having no strength left to fight, Cesare falls to his knees.]
CESARE: Just do it. Come on! Why won't you do it?
ENZO: You're... You're my friend.
[He walks to the door.]
CESARE: It all could've been yours. He gave you everything!
ENZO: Live for yourself, Cesare. Not for him. Not for this.
[He leaves and doesn't forget to lock the door behind him to prevent pursuit. Now he urgently needs to get Isabella!]
NOTICE - NEW WORKING HOURS
Compagnia Mineraria del Mediterraneo Centrale Miniera di Collezolfo OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ALL WORKERS
As of June 21st, 1907, I, Bernardo Torrisi, will assume ownership of the Miniera di Collezolfo. With me, come new, highly experienced guards who will help to facilitate a smooth handover.
It is in your best interest that you comply with any requests given by these new operatives. Any workers refusing to do so may be at risk of immediate termination.
There is a lot of work to be done here, and we cannot afford to waste time on those of you who are not prepared to cooperate with us.
Over the coming weeks, you should expect a series of changes to come into effect, that seek to correct months of losses under the previous manager. The first, being an extension to daily working hours. The last shift of the day will now end at 7pm. If you have any concerns about this new schedule, or your ongoing employment, bring them to me personally.
I look forward to correcting the mistakes of my esteemed predecessor.
B. Torrisi
TORRISI MAFIOSO: No sign of Cesare! Minchia!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Keep your eyes open. Enzo can't have got far!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Any sign of Enzo, you shout!
ENZO: Minchia!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: I'll drag him to the Don myself.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Here he comes! The Don wants him dead!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Who cares where he went? We could all die here!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: You see Enzo, you kill him!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: I see him! He's down there!
[As Enzo walks across a wooden platform, something like grenades are dropped on him from above, breaking the platform, and Enzo falls into the quarry where Don Torrisi's men are already waiting for him. But he doesn't intend to give up.]
ENZO: [Coughing]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: There he is!
DON TORRISI: You're going nowhere, carusu! Kill him! I have you now, you rat. You'll die down there, where you belong! I have you now, you rat. You'll die down there, where you belong! He went into the tunnel! After him!
[He runs into a mine that is gradually beginning to collapse.]
ENZO: I need to get out, get to Isabella! I know this shaft... Me and Gaetano were here.
[However, the passage is blocked, and he has to find another way.]
ENZO: Agh! Minchia!
CARLO: Coming down here's a death sentence.
FEDE: We find him and get out of here. Amuni!
ENZO: Should be a way out up ahead....
TORRISI MAFIOSO: [Coughing] See him?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Can barely see anything down here! [Coughing]
ENZO: Gas... Somewhere around here... Come on. Agh! Minchia!
[He slides down a slope into the lower part of the mine where he encounters the Don himself. He is armed with a rifle and stands on an elevation. Enzo hides behind crates and gradually advances.]
DON TORRISI: Scurry around all you like. You won't hide from me! I never should have taken you on. You belong down here, in the dirt.
ENZO: I got out once, and I'll do it again.
DON TORRISI: You'll never see my daughter again.
ENZO: You won't stand between us!
DON TORRISI: You're nothing. Isabella will forget all about you.
ENZO: She loves me! And soon we'll be far away from here!
DON TORRISI: Face me you fucking snake! Get him! He's coming your way!
[Enzo coughs, feeling the mine filling with gas.]
ENZO: No, no, no!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enzo's a dead man, Don's orders!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Come out, carusu!
ENZO: Yeah, just up here...
[He lifts a massive beam blocking the passage to the stairs leading to the mine exit. And at that moment, Don Torrisi himself attacks him. He pins him against the wall and begins to brutally beat him, then grabs him by the throat.]
DON TORRISI: You crawled out of this hell and brought sin upon my family. And now I've brought you back. You took an oath!
[As he screams and brutally beats Enzo, the flame on the lamp begins to burn brighter...]
DON TORRISI: And you betrayed me! My daughter?! My fucking daughter?!
[He picks up a large stone to crush Enzo's head, but Enzo grabs the lamp and throws it to the side, causing a collapse that buries the Don. Enzo emerges from the mines all wounded and sees the volcanic eruption, realizing he needs to save his beloved.]
ENZO: No... Isabella... Aghh!
[However, the Don did not perish in the mine... He appears right behind Enzo!]
DON TORRISI: Carusu! You can't escape what you've done. I won't allow it.
[A sudden knife fight begins!]
DON TORRISI: I pitied you when I first saw you. And I do now. You've lost it all.
ENZO: I have everything I ever wanted. Isabella, a ever wanted. Isabella, a family. I'll kill you before I lose them. Aaghh!
DON TORRISI: Fucking snake! Get back here, you bastard! Gah! Filthy carusu!
ENZO: That is all I ever was to you!
DON TORRISI: You want my daughter, you'll have to kill me! Go on! Fight for her!
ENZO: You put Isabella at risk, every day you chose this life.
DON TORRISI: Agh! No!! Now you see... You're going to die here... You think I'd let her be with you? A killer?
ENZO: You made me that! I'd give up anything to be hers. Bastard!
DON TORRISI: You think... it's that easy?
[Enzo manages to stab the Don in the shoulder.]
DON TORRISI: Aghh! Men like you deserve to die. Aaghh! Men like me... Stomp on rats like you!
[He pulls the knife out of his shoulder and headbutts Enzo, forcing him to retreat.]
DON TORRISI: You'll beg for a quick death. So predictable. It's not all about speed... You can't hit me, you can't win. Pezzu di merda! Get back here, coward!
Do it. figgh'i buttana.... Do it!
[Finally, Enzo wins... he stabs the knife into Don Torrisi's side, and he falls to the ground. Blood pours from his mouth.]
DON TORRISI: You could've had it all.
ENZO: I have everything I need.
DON TORRISI: Pezzu di merda... Look at me... Look me in the eye. You can't... You can't change what you are. You're nothing.
[In response, Enzo simply stands up, and the Don remains lying with a knife in his side. Cesare approaches him. He is standing on a small elevation above Enzo. He extends a hand to help him climb up.]
CESARE: Enzo...
[Enzo isn't sure if he should trust him, but he casts aside his doubts and takes his hand.]
CESARE: Just you and me. Like we said. I'm sorry.
[And then... Cesare stabs him in the side. With a silent question in his eyes, Enzo falls to the ground and dies quite quickly. The scene cuts to a black screen. We transition to the Torrisi Villa where Isabella is sitting on the floor in her room, crying. Tino enters.]
TINO: Make yourself presentable. You're in enough trouble, don't you think? A car's on its way to take you to a doctor. To clean this stain away.
[Isabella, hysterical, crawls after him on her knees.]
ISABELLA: Tino! You can't. You can't do this. Tino, I am begging you! I am begging you. Please! You're heartless! You're heartless! Why?
TINO: You dishonored your father. You shamed... shamed this family!
ISABELLA: Vafanculu!
[He leaves and locks the door behind him. Isabella bars the door with a chair and contemplates an escape plan. She is hysterical.]
ISABELLA: Enzo... Oh God... Oh God... I have to get out of here... I can't leave you here with him.
ENZO'S LETTER
Amuri miu,
I have been trying to speak with you this week, alone, but your father has kept me busy.
I have the tickets. Go with Valentina when she calls.
I was thinking more about names, and why not Rosa, for a girl?
After your mother. We will be together soon.
I love you,
Enzo
ISABELLA’S JOURNAL
March, 1905
It was a beautiful afternoon, riding to the coast. Taking the paths I’d journeyed with my mamma. Almost nothing had changed. The only difference between then and now was the infernal roar of Gennaro’s motorcar. But even with all that, and my cousin’s bickering, looking at those ruins from the mountaintop, I felt free, at peace.
Rather ironic considering what happened next. I had heard about bandits, what they were capable of, but foolishly never thought I’d encounter any face-to-face. I tried to fight back, but there were too many, all carrying firearms. Thank God for Enzo, what he did for me. I will never forget it.
I may not return to those ruins again in a hurry, but this photograph is enough, for now. A terrifying day, without question, though admittedly more exhilarating than anything I’ve experienced before.
July, 1905
We're getting ready for another harvest. I’ve been rising early, taking my camera out among the vine rows and trellises before the first workers arrive. Today is no exception.
This time of year was once a reminder that I had wasted another summer here. I used to grow tired of the sight of these fields. Wished to find something different outside my window. Now, I see the beauty in all of it. The early-morning sun shimmering on the leaves. Birds chirping as they land nearby, stealing fallen fruit.
I remember my father carrying me through the fields when I was little, my mamma laughing and picking grapes for me to eat. I had forgotten all about that.
On the way back to the villa, the workers are starting their day. My father’s men ready some horses at the stables. I head over there to check on Alba. Sometimes I linger for a while. Just long enough, as though I might be riding out too. These days, I imagine anything can happen.
ISABELLA: No use taking this now. My hairpin... Should work on the door. Almost there... Yes!
[She gets out onto the balcony and tries to be as quiet and careful as possible.]
WORKER: We need to get out of here!
[Gunshots are heard.]
ISABELLA: Cristo!
[A phone rings in the next room, and Isabella has to hide under a table.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Did you hear that?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Let me see...
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Damn. Nothing.
TINO'S PLAN
I confirmed their plans with Father Ciccone. He is a man of God, so I trust his words.
If you want Cesare to go with me, I will not argue with you, but you know my thoughts on the matter.
Fede and Carlo will take the truck. The first train to Palermo arrives at 12:45. We will be there before, keeping watch from a safe distance.
The carusu will get what he deserves.
Tino
ISABELLA: Monster...
TORRISI’S EXPANSION
22nd June, 1907
LOCAL BUSINESSMAN ACQUIRES GALANTE ENTERPRISES
Bernardo Torrisi, proprietor of the Torrisi vineyard, and new manager at the Miniera di Collezolfo, continues to expand across the Valle Dorata with his most recent venture in Porto Almaro.
Torrisi signed a deal with Leone Galante, who was left his grandfather’s businesses when he died earlier this year.
Torrisi takes over the Bar Caffé Ginevra and Fratteli Galante tonnara as a part of the acquisition, though it is not known at this point what his plans are for the future of the Galante name.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Open up! Now!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: They want this to happen now? What the fuck are we doing? Mountain's already erupting.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: If the Don gets back and it hasn't been done, we'll be dead anyway.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Signorina! Are you in there? If you don't come out, we'll come in! Last chance! Break it down. Argh!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: She's gone!
TINO: What is going on here?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Isabella, she's not in her room.
TINO: Minchiuni! You let her get away?! Find her, now! No one leaves until that girl is found!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Agostino... Look at the mountain!
TINO: You grew up in its shadow. You shit yourself every time the ground shakes? Do your job!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: No one comes in or out, Tino's orders. He wants a man at every gate.
[Isabella manages to sneak down to the kitchen one floor below.]
HOUSEKEEPER: Signorina Torrisi!
ISABELLA: Please, you have to help me! They're going to hurt me. My baby. Can you get me out of here?
HOUSEKEEPER: I can try and distract them. Get out through the cellar.
ISABELLA: Oh, grazie!
HOUSEKEEPER: Be careful, signorina.
[She comes out to the bandits.]
HOUSEKEEPER: I saw her! Signorina Torrisi!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Where did she go?
HOUSEKEEPER: I don't know. I think she went out to the back.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: You think? I need you to be sure! Tell me where she went!
HOUSEKEEPER: Alright, I'll show you.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Cellar's clear.
ISABELLA: Minchia...
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Anyone seen her yet?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: No. Tino's lost his mind! We'll be buried in ash before we find her.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Signora! Come out of there!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: She's in the cellar! Vai!
[She hides in the basement even though she has been discovered. Meanwhile, the basement is slowly being engulfed by fire.]
ISABELLA: Agh! Lord protect me...
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Find a way in! She's trapped down there!
ISABELLA: Cristo! No!
[She approaches the locked grate leading to the exit. A groom is standing nearby.]
ISABELLA: Gaspare! Help me out of here!
GASPARE: I don't have the key! I- I'm sorry!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Keep looking! She's here somewhere!
GASPARE: I'm sorry. I have to go!
ISABELLA: No! Minchia!
[She continues to search for an exit in the burning cellar. One of the Don's men, Achille, is pursuing her, but he also can't see well due to the smoke.]
ISABELLA: Oh Diu... Come on...
ACHILLE: [Coughing] Where are you, signorina? You have to come with us.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Achille, are you down here?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Minchia... Need to find her!
[Isabella sees an exit...]
ISABELLA: Oh, grazie a Dio!
[But Achille grabs her by the boot.]
ACHILLE: Signora, you've been told.
ISABELLA: You don't know what they'll do!
ACHILLE: I have orders. Stop that! Buttana! Enough!
[He pulls out a knife.]
ISABELLA: Leave me alone!
[She kicks the scoundrel.]
ACHILLE: Give it here.
ISABELLA: Stop!
[Picking up the knife, she, without really planning to, stabs Achille. Horrified by what she has done, she drops the knife.]
ISABELLA: Matri mia...
[Isabella exits the cellar.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: [Coughing] Stop hiding!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Please. Come out so we can stop this.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: See her?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Eh, nothing there.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Keep your eyes open.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: She's not here! You're lying.
HOUSEKEEPER: No, I swear! She ran off this way.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: So Ramú's seeing things, is he? She didn't go through the cellar?
HOUSEKEEPER: Maybe she got scared. Turned around. I don't know!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: If we don't find her, Don Torrisi will hear what you did.
HOUSEKEEPER: I've told you all I know, I swear! Now let me go!!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Minchia...
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Forget about her. We need Isabella.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enough hiding!
[They leave, and Isabella approaches the Housekeeper.]
HOUSEKEEPER: Signorina Torrisi! Get out through the garden. It's the only way.
ISABELLA: Grazie!
HOUSEKEEPER: Don't let them see you..
VALERIO: What are we doing? We have to stop. This is madness!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: It's what the Don wants.
VALERIO: I won't harm that girl. I won't hand her over to those bastards.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Then you can deal with the Don when he finds out she's gone.
VALERIO: Look around you! Nothing will survive this. I'm leaving!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Vafanculu!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Time to come out now, signorina!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: [Coughing] Where is she?!
[Isabella manages to sneak out of the villa, but now she has no way to leave... but then Tino catches her.]
TINO: There you are.
ISABELLA: No, no, no!
[Tino grabs her and leads her towards the forest with a knife in his hand.]
TINO: I will teach you to do as you're told.
ISABELLA: Testa 'i minchia! Let me go! You'll burn in hell. You and my father!
TINO: You keep this up and you'll be there to welcome us.
ISABELLA: Bastard!
TINO: Enough!
[She bites Tino's hand, and he drops the knife. Picking up the knife, Isabella cuts his face and runs away.]
TINO: Buttana....
[Isabella hides behind partially burning items taken out from the Torrisi villa.]
TINO: You can't hide forever. Your father has made his choice. Don't disappoint him any further.
[Isabella attacks Tino from behind with a knife, but he notices her in time and counterattacks.]
TINO: You want to add murder to your list of sins?
ISABELLA: If my child will be free of this place, from you...
[They fight, and Isabella cuts Tino's face again.]
TINO: Agh! What did you do?! You wait until your father sees what you've done!
ISABELLA: You're a monster. Just like my father!
TINO: If he kept you on a leash like I told him to, none of this would be happening!
[He gets another cut on his leg.]
TINO: Vafanculu!
TINO: You... [Coughing] You can't keep the doctor waiting! [Coughing] Where are you, girl?
[Sneaking up from behind, Isabella stabs the knife into Tino's neck.]
TINO: Agh! Fucking bitch!
[He dies, and Isabella prepares a horse to leave. At that moment, Cesare arrives.]
ISABELLA: Leave me! Stay back! Where is Enzo? Cesare, where is he?
[Cesare reaches into his pocket as if for a knife, but pulls out two bloody tickets.]
CESARE: There's nothing for you here now. You need to go.
[Isabella bursts into sobs but takes the tickets and rides away on the horse.]
ISABELLA: Andiamo...
[Cesare remains in the burning villa. Some time passes. Isabella boards a ship, pushing through the crowd of people.]
ISABELLA: Permesso.
[She stands at the railing and opens Enzo's letter.]
ENZO: (offscreen) Amore mio, we'll remember today for the rest of our lives. It's the day we chose a future, for our family. My father left me for dead. Our child will live how they choose. Just knowing that makes everything we've been through worthwhile. I can't undo my past, but you help me to rise above it. And for that you have my love, my loyalty, forever. Enzo.
[After reading the letter, she gradually stops sobbing, and a smile appears on her face. In the distance, through the haze, the outlines of the Empire State Building are visible, meaning she has arrived in America. Now she faces a difficult life as an immigrant with a child in her arms.]
THE END
[Against the backdrop of a dark screen, we hear the sounds of digging with a shovel, and then a collapse.]
1904
[A man lights a match in the darkness and brings it to a kerosene lamp, creating at least a little light in the kingdom of darkness. We see that the man is actually two - one holds the lamp while the other burns matches to increase the amount of light. They appear to be in some kind of mine. The man holding the lamp has dark skin and a hairstyle resembling an "afro." He is quite young - looks about 25 years old. The other man is shaved bald, but relatively long ago, so stubble is showing on his head. He is about the same age. Both men are wearing vests and pants made of thick, possibly linen fabric. They look dirty, worn out, and exhausted from hard work but maintain a cheerful spirit.]
GAETANO: We're down here too long Enzo, they'll notice we're gone. Come on.
TREMORI
[They both carefully move through the mine, looking around, afraid of causing another collapse.]
GAETANO: Alright. Let's grab it and get out of here.
ENZO: Look at this place. What if it's already buried?
GAETANO: Then we dig it out. There's no way I'm leaving without it.
ENZO: We can't be too long. Anyone sees us down here, we'll catch hell.
GAETANO: Who cares? One more tremor, we'll be buried here, too. This was the spot. Check under that rubble.
[Enzo slowly starts to clear the debris.]
GAETANO: Come on. Get it out.
ENZO: Here.
[He carefully takes out a box wrapped in a red scarf, containing money. They joyfully count it.]
GAETANO: We're nearly there.
[The box also contained a photograph, which GAETANO kisses, and a handmade toy with the inscription "Enzo." Apparently, the guys came to retrieve their savings.]
GAETANO: You taking that?
ENZO: No.
[He throws away the toy. Upon closer inspection, it's a clumsily carved wooden horse. They continue to slowly walk through the tunnels.]
GAETANO: What's with that stupid toy anyway?
ENZO: I've had it since I was brought here. My father left it with me.
GAETANO: How thoughtful of him.
ENZO: Hope it bring us out somewhere quiet. Don't want to be caught with that on you.
GAETANO: Just keep your head down and stay out of trouble. Think you can do that?
ENZO: Strùnzu (jerk)... I only get in trouble covering for you.
GAETANO: Will you speak to your father? When you get out?
ENZO: The bastard who sold me to this place to pay off his dents? If I saw him again, I'll kill him.
GAETANO: Nearly there. Come on.
NOTICE - MINE DECOMMISSIONED
NO ENTRY BEYOND THIS POINT
Due to increasing instability, as of the 12th of August, 1904, the lower tunnels of the South Mine will be permanently decommissioned.
All workers will be reassigned to a new area.
Full closure will be executed thereafter, by means of explosive.
Sig. Ruggero Spadaro
ENZO: Better keep that money hidden up there.
GAETANO: You think I'm going to flash it around? After all these years saving?
ENZO: Just be careful. People are desperate.
GAETANO: All this will behind us soon. Until then don't let any of these bastards get to you, alright?
[They come out to the miners.]
MINER: Where have you been?
GAETANO: What's it to you?
MINER: Sfacciato (cheeky). Il Merlo's around. See if you talk to him that way.
[They walk towards Il Merlo, overhearing conversations of other miners along the way.]
CARUSU: Si, signore.
MINER: Not much left here... They'll move us to the East Mine before long.
MINER: So be it. No use complaining, not if you want the work.
[They enter Il Merlo's "office" - a small nook in the mine where he is tormenting a poor soul sitting on the sand.]
IL MERLO: Move! On your feet. Get that up top.
MINER: Signore, my ankle. I can't.
IL MERLO: What?
MINER: Please, I can't.
[Il Merlo grabs him by the neck and pins him against a support beam.]
IL MERLO: There is no 'can't', not down here.
ENZO: I'll do it.
IL MERLO: Take him away.
[The poor soul, who can barely move, is led away.]
IL MERLO: I saw the veterinarian up with the horses, if he needs putting down.
[Il Merlo approaches Enzo, who has already started working and is hauling rocks. Il Merlo speaks quietly and very menacingly.]
IL MERLO: Stick your nose where it does not belong again, and you just might lose it.
[Enzo and Gaetano fill woven baskets with rocks and carry them through the tunnels.]
IL MERLO: (screams to the miners) Back to work! All of you!
GAETANO: Picking fights with II Merlo in front of everybody? Is that keeping your head down?
ENZO: Someone had to help him.
GAETANO: Anyone ever helped you? We're getting out of here, don't ruin things.
MINER: Late finish today, boys?
GAETANO: You know us. Always working hard.
MINE GUARD: Take that to the kiln. Now.
MINE GUARD: Baskets here.
[They carry the baskets out of the mine.]
GAETANO: Time to eat. You hungry?
ENZO: You have to ask?
ENZO: Good thing we moved the money. Any more tremors, it would be buried.
GAETANO: Like I told you. Having it out here's risky, but it's that or losing it all.
[They walk down a path from a small mountain towards the town. They pass many miners on the way.]
MINER: They should stop all work, close the mine. There could be more tremors any moment.
MINER: Spadaro can't afford to close it. Don't be surprised if they ask you.
GAETANO Bedda matri (Beautiful Mother!), look at that. That smoke... Doesn't look good.
ENZO: Think we should be worried?
GAETANO: Come on. Say a prayer to Santa Barbara if it'll make you feel better.
MINER: They still want us to hit our quotas? They're out of their minds?
MINER: You finished?
MINER: Nor even close. Shifts are getting longer. Every time I come up for air, they send me back down.
[Enzo passes by a small shrine and decides to pray.]
ENZO: Nel nom de Padre, Figlio e dello Spirito Santo. Protect us. Just a little longer.
GAETANO: You think she watching over us?
ENZO: We're still here, aren't we?
GAETANO: Can't argue with that.
[They notice that the food distribution tent is still open.]
GAETANO: Good. Ignazio hasn't packed up yet. Let's see what he has today.
[Enzo leans on the counter and casually asks.]
ENZO: Hey Ignazio, what do we have today?
IGNAZIO: You're too late.
GAETANO: Cchi minchia é?
IGNAZIO: Not my problem. Want to complain? Take it to Spadaro. Want to eat tomorrow? Get a watch.
[The guys leave hungry.]
GAETANO: You know what this means?
[They decide who will go on the "job" by playing rock-paper-scissors. Enzo loses.]
ENZO: Minchia!
GAETANO: Your turn, brother.
ENZO: Madone...
GAETANO: Head to the building at the back. They moved the food there after the rats got into it last week.
ENZO: So much for keeping our heads down.
GAETANO: Just don't get caught. I'll distract the guards if they're in your way. Good, delivery's here. Should make it easier for you.
[They crouch down and start sneaking across the territory.]
GAETANO: You sneak into the storeroom. I'll meet you on the other side. Alright, you know what to do. I'll be waiting around the back.
MINE GUARD: Romano, you done with your count? Delivery's here!
MINE GUARD: Almost.
MINE GUARD: Pick it up later. These crates need unloading.
MINE GUARD: Strùnzu...
[The guard leaves, allowing Enzo to proceed.]
MINE GUARD: You think Gino's skimming?
MINE GUARD: Not this again.
MINE GUARD: What?
MINE GUARD: You don't remember the last driver? What Spadaro did to him?
MINE GUARD: I was right, wasn't I?
STAKEHOLDER FRICTION
12th July 1904
TENSIONS ERUPT AT MINING GIANT
Tensions between Baron Raffaele Fontanella and Signor Girolamo Ludovici, principal shareholders of the Compagnia Mineraria del Mediterraneo Centrale, have unsettled investors. The mine, historically tied to the Fontanella family has become a source of conflict as the Baron resists Ludovici's aggressive plans to expand operations and modernize the business.
Labor concerns and the potential effects on the landscape raised by Fontanella were opposed by Ludovici, who pushed that reacting to dwindling global demand for Sicilian sulfur should be their priority.
At a recent shareholder meeting, heated exchanges overshadowed discussions on profitability, with fears that the feud could destabilize the company. Shareholders have expressed unease about the growing discord, which threatens to undermine confidence in the board's governance.
One investor commented that "progress must balance tradition and sustainability." The future of this enterprise now hinges on whether these two influential figures can reconcile their differences and chart a unified path forward.
MINE GUARD: With the volcano, the tremors... No one wants to work.
MINE GUARD: Wouldn't catch me down there. But hey, that's the job.
ENZO: Come on, Gaetano, where are you...
[Someone throws an empty bottle that shatters and attracts the guard's attention.]
MINE GUARD: Can't handle a simple task?
MINE GUARD: It wasn't me!
MINE GUARD: Horseshit. Spadaro'll be on my back about this. Clean it up!
ENZO: That'll do.
[Enzo enters a toolshed, but the next door is locked.]
ENZO: Locked. Of course. Could force it open....
[He pulls out a small knife stuck in a workbench and examines it. He uses the knife to pick the lock on the warehouse door.]
LETTER - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Compagnia Mineraria del Mediterraneo Centrale
16th July 1904
Dear Signor Spadaro,
We are writing to inform you that your recent request for new tools has been denied at this time.
While your argument that higher quality tools will increase productivity is sound, the cost of providing these tools across so large a site is not financially viable without increased profit in the short term.
Any further outlay on machinery should be considered contingent upon a sustained rise in output. We continue to recommend that opening new shafts and extending operational hours is the surest route to achieving this.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors Compagnia Minerana del Mediterraneo Centrale
DELIVERY INVOICE - POLICARODO SUPPLIES
Trading Invoice Policardo Supplies
7th of August, 1904
To be settled by Sig. Ruggero Spadaro, Minsera di Collezolfo, Collezolfo.
Bread - Skg _____ 2.5 lire
Fratelli Galante Canned Tuna - 20 units ___ 30.85 lire
Montalto Macaroni - 10kg ____ 7 lire
Fava Beans - 8kg ____ 5.44 lire
The extras, for the wolves, are tucked in tight with the bread.
Delivered by: Gino
ENZO: Ah, there it is.
[He notices Il Merlo passing by on the street.]
IL MERLO: They'll work, I'll make sure of it.
[Enzo, grabbing some bread from a crate, climbs out the window where his friend is already waiting.]
ENZO: Help me. Come on! That window's getting smaller.
GAETANO: Any luck?
[He happily gives him the bread.]
GAETANO: Let's get inside, eat this in peace.
[They walk along a dusty road and talk.]
ENZO: Minchia! What was the hold-up back there?
GAETANO: Had to take a piss. Bad timing, I know. Thought you were going to get caught when il Merlo turned up.
ENZO: Did you hear what they said? About the East Mine?
GAETANO: East Mine's nothing to do with us. We pay off our debts, no distractions, and we get out of here.
[They enter the camp.]
IGNAZIO: You look happy for two idiots who haven't eaten. What've you got to smile about?
GAETANO: None of your business. Go back to kissing Spadaro's ass.
IGNAZIO: Testa 'i minchia, watch your mouth!
NOTICE - EXTRA SHIFTS
NOTICE TO ALL WORKERS
Effective Immediately
To meet growing demand and compensate for lost time due to the recent tremors, an additional shift is to be added to each working day, paid at the regular rate.
Any workers picking up these shifts will be expected to clear debris in allocated shafts, alongside their usual responsibilities.
We urge all hardworking picuneri to consider this opportunity. Those unwilling to participate may find their seams offered to others more willing to seize the chance for work. Let us together secure a prosperous future for all.
By order of Sig. Ruggero Spadaro
[They enter their barracks, where besides our heroes, about a dozen other workers live. The furnishings are more than modest - straw beds on the floor, a few wooden crates, and a bucket for relieving oneself. The guys tiredly sit down on their straw beds.]
GAETANO: Few months left. Not long now.
[He takes out the postcard that was in the box. On the worn front is a picture of a city and the inscription "Empire Bay."]
GAETANO: Read this again for me, will you?
ENZO: "Dearest nephew, I hope this message reaches you in good health. I washed up again-in America and, this time, I've decided to stay." "Write to me, if you can. Better still, join me here. I'll buy you steak and eggs for breakfast. My fondest regards, Uncle Silvio".
GAETANO: La Merica! Steak and eggs! Once we're paid up, I'm on the first boat over.
ENZO: I'm going far away from this place Gaetano. Never coming back. Bastards would have to kill me first.
[Suddenly, two men burst into the barracks.]
IGNAZIO: All of you, out!
GAETANO: Ey! We're finished.
IGNAZIO: Not today. Double-shifts. Spadaro's orders.
GAETANO: Can you believe this?
IGNAZIO: Hurry up!
[All the workers exit the barracks. Gaetano reaches under his pillow and takes the savings.]
IL MERLO: You don't want to work. then clear the way for someone who does.
MINER: Nobody's working down there until it's checked out.
IL MERLO: Testa 'i minchia!
[A rough-looking man in an expensive green suit enters, pushing the dirty miners aside.]
DON SPADARO: Out of the way! Who is wasting my fucking time?
L'OMBRA: Wretches won't dig-
MINER: Don Spadaro. Federico's crew has not returned from the new deposit. Something's not right.
DON SPADARO: So sorry to hear that. I'll remember to say a prayer for them.
MINER: There have been tremors. Supports could've collapsed, gas could've leaked, anything.
DON SPADARO: We'll be sure to look into it. Now get back to work!
[On the last word, he raises his voice and makes a sweeping gesture with his hand. The miner bows his head in resignation and leaves. The Don approaches his subordinate, il Merlo.]
DON SPADARO: Send someone down there!
[Il Merlo immediately notices Enzo, who likes to do others' work, and theatrically reaches out his hands towards him.]
IL MERLO: Carusu! You like making yourself useful, don't you? I've got just the job.
[The guys have to go to a dangerous mine. And they didn't even get to eat.]
THE DEEP MINE
IL MERLO: New deposit's a long way down, so no messing around. Find Federico and his carusi, and be quick about it.
ENZO: But what if there's gas?
IL MERLO: Should be lanterns down there. If you find one, take it with you. He knows what to do.
GAETANO: I'll go first.
MINER: They're going to the deep tunnels.
MINER: God help them.
IL MERLO: Off you go. Don't come back until you've found them.
GAETANO: Grab a lantern. If it flares, there's gris, gas, understand?
ENZO: What do we do then?
GAETANO: What do you think? We get the fuck out of here. They never sent you testing for gas before?
ENZO: I've only heard stories about this mine. Do you know where you're going?
GAETANO: I don't know it like the others. We need to stay close. Minchia! Closed off. Need to look for a connecting tunnel. Federico! You down here? Hm. Nothing.
NEW DEPOSITS - EAST MINE
Closed the access point to the first seam. Tunnel unstable, not safe until we get more supports. Direct route caved in. Need more men to shift the rocks.
Opened a smail passage to the neighboring tunnel. Seam just beyond here.
Water
Sulfur deposit
ENZO: It opens up over here!
GAETANO: I'm right behind you. Be careful, alright?
ENZO: This way's caved in. Hey! Under here.
[They find tools but see no workers anywhere.]
GAETANO: Their tools....
ENZO: If they're not work where are they? It's so quiet. You think something happened to them?
GAETANO: This is the deepest mine here, biggest too they're lost somewhere, we might never hear them.
[Enzo finds empty water containers.]
ENZO: Water's gone. Either they drank it all, or it dried up.
GAETANO: Working down here without water? Bedda matri... Only way forward is down there.
ENZO: Let's go. They could be in trouble.
[Enzo wants to carefully descend but slides down. His friend follows him.]
ENZO: Agh! Hey! Federico?
GAETANO: Shit. Where are they?
CATARINA'S LETTER
Federico, amuri miu
You work so hard for us, but we miss you terribly. All Nino does is ask where you are. Once you have saved enough money to come home, you must promise never to leave us again.
We will find you another job, something closer. Away from the mountain.
My father knows of a blacksmith who would consider you. We can discuss when you return. Counting down the days until I can hold you again.
Love, Catarina
[They find a corpse.]
ENZO: Cristo!
GAETANO: Gas? Maybe it's cleared, for now? We need to get out of here! We tell the men. They'll come pick them up when it's safe.
[But then an earthquake starts.]
GAETANO: Get down!
[However, the guys don't sustain significant injuries... but then their lamp flares up brighter and a hissing sound is heard from afar...]
GAETANO: Merda!
ENZO: Run!
[The guys run for their lives. Gas explosions occur here and there around them.]
GAETANO: Go! Now!
ENZO: We should war the others!
GAETANO: We will, when we're out! Keep running!
[They run, escaping the explosions and collapses.]
ENZO: Merda! No! Damn it!
GAETANO: Down here, come on!
[Enzo's leg gets pinned by a rock...]
ENZO: Get me out of here! I can't move!
GAETANO: Grab my hand!
[He helps his friend get out, and they continue running.]
GAETANO: Gas! We need to get out of here!
[As they run across a wooden bridge, it gives way under Enzo, who was second, and he falls onto the lower levels of the mine.]
ENZO: Agh!
[But Gaetano has already run to him and helps him climb up.]
GAETANO: Over here! Hurry! This way. Come on!
ENZO: Nearly there! Come on!
GAETANO: Go! Keep running!
ENZO: I see the way out! Hurry!
[Almost out of the mine, Gaetano checks his pockets and realizes he lost the money somewhere in the frantic rush...]
GAETANO: Minchia! The money!
ENZO: Forget it! We need to go!
[The money turns out to be dropped nearby, behind a narrow passage they just came through. In a hurry, Gaetano reaches for the money.]
ENZO: Forget it! We need to go! Gaetano!
GAETANO: I see it!
ENZO: Let's go!
GAETANO: I have it!
[However, part of the passage collapses.]
ENZO: No!
[He barely makes it out of the mine - Gaetano is beyond help. Emerging, Enzo sees that some miners have survived but are no longer on their feet. Il Merlo is yelling at the others as usual.]
IL MERLO: If you can walk, you can carry. Get all of this shifted.
L'OMBRA: These shafts need to be open.
[Enzo approaches them and, in a fit of anger and grief, screams at his boss.]
ENZO: Ey! You! You did this. You sent us down there!
IL MERLO: Mountain does as she will, boy.
L'OMBRA: Just get them back to work.
ENZO: Figgh'i buttana!
[In response, Enzo receives a sharp, powerful blow to the face and falls onto the sand.]
IL MERLO: Hold your tongue carusu if you want to keep it.
[However, Enzo gets up and pulls out that very knife from his pocket.]
IL MERLO: If that's what you want.
[He also pulls out a knife, and a fight begins.]
ENZO: Gaetano's dead because of you!
IL MERLO: Accidents happen. Don't do something you'll regret, carusu. Come on then, finish what you've started. Or are you scared?
ENZO: Bastaddu!
IL MERLO: You little fucking rat!
ENZO: You won't touch me.
IL MERLO: You see, boy? This is grown man's business.
ENZO: Sicominchia! You'll pay for what you did!
L'OMBRA: You fuckin up now, boy!
IL MERLO: Enough games! You wanted to fight, so fight like a man.
[He grabs both of Enzo's hands.]
IL MERLO: Lot of fight in you over a pile of bones.
[He throws Enzo onto the sand and gets distracted by a cracking sound coming from the canopy they are under. Enzo uses this opportunity, grabs the knife, and strikes, cutting il Merlo's cheek just below his left eye. He screams like a little girl, as if seeing his own blood for the first time.]
IL MERLO: Ahhh! Ahh! Figgh'i buttana!
[He moves to kill Enzo, but the canopy breaks, giving Enzo a chance to escape. He jumps and slides down a gentle slope. They start shooting at him, clearly intending to kill him on the spot. But Enzo escapes.]
L'OMBRA: Stop that carusu della minchia!
[Enzo mounts a horse that happened to run by.]
MINE GUARD: He has a horse! Get after him!
IL MERLO: Don't let him get away! You hear me?!
[However, Enzo manages to escape from the mining town. He rides as far as he can, and at this moment, we see the game's title sequence as if watching a TV series. Against the backdrop of beautiful shots, the names of the voice actors appear.]
Riccardo Frascari
as Enzo
Johnny Santiago
as Don Torrisi
Carina Conti
as Isabella
Christian Antidormi
as Cesare
Alberto Frezza
as Luca
Lane Townsend
as Don Spadaro
Anthony Skordi
as Tino
Tony Amendola
Mark Whitten
Carlo Rota
Davi Santos
Mateo d' Amato
Monique Hafen Adams
Gabriel Burrafato
Piotr Michael
Raphael Corkhill
Giancarlo Sabogal
I - FAMIGLIA
[Enzo rides until evening, then, tired, hides in a barn he comes across and decides to sleep. He is awakened by arriving trucks. Il Merlo gets out of one of them.]ENZO: Merda...
IL MERLO: Find him!
IGNAZIO: It's locked.
MINE GUARD: Here. Around back.
[They enter the barn where Enzo is hiding!]
MINE GUARD: I'll look inside. You go around, make sure he doesn't slip out the back. Where is the little rat? When we find you, Il Merlo will slice you from ear to ear. I know you're in there, boy! Come out!
[Sneaking up unnoticed, Enzo strangles the guard with his bare hands, then gets out of the barn.]
IL MERLO: Make this quick. Spadaro will be waiting for us to clean up that fucking mess back there.
MINE GUARD: Shouldn't take long to find the boy. Only so many places the little bastard could be.
IL MERLO: The fuck is taking so long? Find this pezzu di merda!
MINE GUARD: We're going to be out here all fucking night.
IL MERLO: Keep looking...
[Enzo meanwhile moves from cover to cover, strangling guards.]
MINE GUARD: Could have left the horse and kept running.
MINE GUARD: Would you? No, he's here somewhere. He's thirsty, hungry. Sooner or later, he'll have to come out.
IL MERLO: If he gets away, it's on you cazzuni.
MINE GUARD: He's not back there.
IL MERLO: Minchiuni! The boy's outsmarted you? Search again!
[Enzo notices il Merlo standing by the door and also tries to kill him by sneaking up, but il Merlo quickly notices him and, with a strike from his shotgun against the door, knocks him to the ground, then comes out with the shotgun.]
IL MERLO: No more running. I'm going to make you wish you died in that rubble.
[A shot is suddenly heard. A stately middle-aged man approaches, surrounded by several armed men.]
DON TORRISI: What are you doing here, Damiano? Answer me.
IGNAZIO: Don Torrisi, this carusu-
[He immediately gets hit in the face with a rifle butt by one of the Don's men.]
DON TORRISI: I asked you a question.
IL MERLO: The boy owes a debt. We tracked him, in the dark... Must've crossed over. We mean no disrespect... We'll take him and be on our way.
DON TORRISI: The boy goes nowhere with you.
IL MERLO: Until the debt is paid, he belongs to us.
[The Don gets very close to il Merlo.]
DON TORRISI: On my land, you own nothing. You tell your boss the boy is under my protection. And if our truce is dishonored again, I will repay that offense (pushes il Merlo) tenfold. Now leave.
[Il Merlo and his men leave.]
LUCA: We'd risk war with the Spadaros, over a kid?
DON TORRISI: The greater risk would be allowing our enemies to overstep without consequence. Can you work?
ENZO: Yes.
DON TORRISI: Then you bring him back, Luca.
[The Don leaves. Luca helps Enzo to his feet.]
LUCA: Did you do that? To his face? Don Torrisi doesn't take kindly to trespassers. Lucky for you, he takes even less kindly to the Spadaro clan. You have a name?
ENZO: Enzo.
[They go outside.]
LUCA: Alright Enzo, let's go. Is that your horse, or theirs?
ENZO: I stole it.
LUCA: A thief and a trespasser. Poor thing's not in good shape. Almost as bad as you. You rode all the way from Collezolfo?
ENZO: Yes.
[They mount horses and ride towards the Don's villa.]
LUCA: Quite the journey with armed men at your back. What happened at the mine?
ENZO: There was a collapse. People died, not sure how many.
LUCA: Where were you headed?
ENZO: Anywhere.
LUCA: No family?
ENZO: No.
LUCA: We can find you somewhere to stay, Enzo, but you will be expected to work. A place to rest your head doesn't come for free.
ENZO: Whatever it is, I can do it. Is that where we're going?
LUCA: A little different to Collezolfo, no? Don Toms looks after all of this land. Takes good care of it. See those vines in the fields? Eventually, the grapes will become Torrisi wine. That's the family business. More or less.
ENZO: Don Torrisi lives there?
LUCA: Along with his family. He started with nothing, just like you and me. He's worked for everything he has.
ENZO: It's beautiful.
LUCA: I suppose it is.
[They ride onto the villa grounds.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Any trouble, Luca?
LUCA: It was nothing. Just a surprise visit. Damiano Bastoni.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Il Merlo? What was he thinking?
LUCA: He wasn't. The Don straightened him out.
GUIDO: Who's your friend?
LUCA: Enzo. New pair of hands. Stables are this way. Gaspare will look after your horse while you're here. Ciao. Gaspare. Now, you need to get some rest. I'll show you where you can stay.
ENZO: Thank you.
LUCA: Don't thank me yet. Workers drift through, some stay for a season. We let them bunk up in the old casena. I'll leave you here alone, but don't go poking around or you'll find yourself in trouble. Room's just in here. Doesn't get used much. But there's a bed, somewhere to put your things.
ENZO: This is... This is good.
[The room isn't much different from the barracks - the same straw bed, but it's a separate room and his alone. And there's also a bathtub and a workbench!]
LUCA: Good might be a stretch, but it's yours for now. You get some rest. I'll be back later to talk about work.
[Enzo decides to sleep a little. After a while, a young guy, about 30 years old, comes to him.]
CESARE: Susiti.
[Cesare kicks the bucket for special needs.]
CESARE: Susiti!
[Enzo jumps up from the straw bed and pulls out his knife.]
CESARE: That how you mine boys say "hello"?
ENZO: Who are you?
CESARE: Someone who belongs here. Well, not here. Out there. You, though, you look right at home in a pig pen. I'm Cesare. My uncle runs this place.
ENZO: Where's Luca?
CESARE: Busy. Told me you wanted to make yourself useful. Don't worry about that. They'll smell you before they see you. But change out of those rags, will you? I'll wait outside.
[Enzo puts the knife away. He realizes he did something stupid.]
ENZO: Testa 'i minchia...
[Enzo changes into normal clothes - a white shirt, suspender pants, and sharp-toed boots.]
HARVEST INSTRUCTIONS
1. Pick only ripe grapes — dark and full. Leave green ones.
2. Use care — no snapping or tearing the vines.
3. Fill baskets full. No gaps, no waste.
4. Bring baskets to the press quickly. No delays.
5. Keep count of your baskets using notches or stones.
6. Work fast. Dalight fades quickly. Mistakes mean less pay. Work well!
[He goes out to Cesare, who is waiting for him.]
CESARE: It'll take more than some new clothes to make you fit in here. This way, carusu, we've got a delivery to load. My uncle's hosting a big meal later tonight. Do the work, maybe you'll get to eat.
ENZO: Understood.
[They approach the iron grate blocking access to the cellar.]
CESARE: Wine’s stored down here. Don’t even think about helping yourself. I know a thief when I smell one.
[They enter a dark basement devoid of any lighting. Several barrels stand against the walls, and there's an assortment of various utensils.]
CESARE: See those crates on the table? Load them onto the cart outside.
ENZO: These ones?
CESARE: Do you see any others? And be careful. One broken bottle and Luca will have your balls.
DELIVERY SCHEDULE
Saturday - Wine Deliveries
7 a.m. - Osteria della Zagara - 2 crates
8-30 a.m. - Signor Schifano, Nino Agavi - 1 crate
10 a.m. - Porto Almaro - Bar Calfé Ginevre - 5 crates
11 a.m. - Porto Almaro Station - 5 crates to be shipped to Palermo
[Enzo picks up a crate of bottles. The bottles clink ominously, hinting at the danger of carrying them.]
CESARE: This way.
ENZO: You not taking any?
CESARE: What I'm doing is none of your concern.
[They exit the cellar and approach a cart.]
CESARE: Put the crate in the back, mine boy.
CART DRIVER: So you found a use for him. Maybe he's not so bad after all.
CESARE: You want to be friends with the Collezolfo runts now?
[A well-dressed man approaches them.]
VALERIO: Have you moved those crates yet?
CESARE: Valerio, I'm just doing it now.
VALERIO: Looks a lot like you are sitting on your ass. Who's that?
CESARE: The carusu.
VALERIO: Hm. Keep him out of my workshop.
[Enzo goes into the cellar and gets another crate of wine.]
CESARE: You got it? That's my uncle's finest.
ENZO: This is nothing. You should try carrying a basket of sulfur or your back.
CESARE: I'll take your word for it.
VALENTINA: Is this another one of those layabouts from town? Where's he going with all that wine?
CESARE: What do you think of me? This is the farmhand your husband found hiding in the cattle sheds.
VALENTINA: Well he at least appears to be working. Come over when you are done, I need some help.
[Enzo brings in the last crate of wine.]
CART DRIVER: We nearly done here? I need to get on the road if we want to be back in time.
CESARE: This should be the last of it.
[After loading the last crate, Enzo approaches Cesare and the cart driver.]
ENZO: All done.
CART DRIVER: See. He didn't drop a thing. You owe fifty lire. Is my package from the Don in there?
CESARE: Minchia. It's inside, I'll get it. Make yourself useful while I'm gone. See what Valentine wants.
[He leaves, and Enzo goes to Valentina, who is working nearby.]
ENZO: Signura, do you need help?
VALENTINA: Has Cesare abandoned you already?
ENZO: Something came up.
VALENTINA: It's Enzo, isn't it? Luca told me all about you. How you fled the mine. Things are different here. We treat each other with respect. Except Cesare, but that boy is a law unto himself.
ENZO: I understand.
VALENTINA: Don Torrisi's a fair man, but he likes things done a certain way, and you do not want to find yourself on the end of his temper.
ENZO: Thanks for the warning.
VALENTINA: If you're ready to help... I need you to carry something to the kitchen for me. A pig freshly butchered for dinner.
ENZO: Pig? Uh, certo.
VALENTINA: I show you where it is. This way. We don't have meals like this very often, so it's important everything goes to plan.
[They approach a small warehouse holding many different things - from rabbits hung by their feet to paintings.]
VALENTINA: It’s just there, on that table.
A GIFT FROM GULOTTA
Don Torrisi,
Thank you for the kindness you showed my family. We will never forget it, for as long as we live. You are a good man. To properly express thanks for your generosity, please accept this pig, a Nero dei Nebrodi, as a token for your daughter’s name day. It is the biggest, healthiest I have had the pleasure of rearing, and it will surely satisfy your guests.
Warmest regards,
Signor Gulotta
[Enzo picks up half a pig carcass, puts it on his shoulder, and goes outside.]
VALENTINA: The kitchen's this way. While you are staying here, there are some rules you should follow. You can come into the house only when you are invited. Don't step a foot inside otherwise. You'll eat with the other workers at the end of the day, and you are expected to be clean and presentable. And keep to yourself. Don Torrisi is a very private man and he won't appreciate you sticking your nose into his affairs.
ENZO: I will.
VALENTINA: Good. Follow these rules and stay out of trouble... You should do just fine.
WORKER: There's enough food here to feed the whole valley.
WORKER: It's too much. Never had anything like this for my name day.
[They enter the kitchen.]
VALENTINA: Cosa inutili! Thought I'd find you here.
CESARE: What? Just checking up on the food for later. This needs a little more salt, I think
VALENTINA: Dio mio...
VALENTINA'S PORK SPEZZATINO
Ingredients:
- Pork, cut into small pieces
- 2/3 onions
- Butter
- Red wine
- 4 large potatoes
- 2 carrots
- Bone broth
- 4 cloves garlic
- Rosemary
- Tomatoes
- Peas
1. Cook the onions and carrots in olive oil
2. Add butter and garlic
3. Add the pork, turning every few minutes
4. Season
5. Add wine - generous pouring
6. Add tomatoes, bone broth and water if needed
7. Add potatoes
8. Season, leave to cook, covered for 5 hours
9. Stir in peas and leave on stove until cooked through
VALENTINA: Put it on the side over there, Enzo...
ENZO: If you need anything else.
VALENTINA: That's all for now. Be nice Cesare, he's had a hard time.
CESARE: I don't know what she's talking about. I'm always nice. In fact, I'm so nice, I'm going to give you the full tour. Next stop, the stables. You Rood with horses?
GUEST LIST
To prepare for Saturday’s guests:
Father Ciccone - Has a taste for the finer wines and always has a second helping. Make sure to offer when his plate is empty, or he'll get agitated.
Mayor Chiavetta - Enjoys grappa at the end of his meal. Seat him away from Tino.
Niccolo and Leone Galante no longer attending - Lemon cannoli not needed. Remember to give Don Torrisi his apologies. He has sent a gift for Isabella.
Raffaele and Gennaro Fontanella - The Baron can no longer attend due to business in Palermo. Remove Gennaro’s table setting beside Isabella and move everyone up.
Vincenzo Lorenzetti - An old friend of Don Torrisi. He is coarse, but must be treated well. He loses his manners when drunk, mind your skirts.
ENZO: I can ride.
CESARE: That's not going to help you much there. Luca said you led Damiano Bastoni right into our land.
ENZO: I was running. I didn't know about this place.
CESARE: It’s a long time since we heard from that dirty bastard. Maybe you are working for him?
ENZO: I would die before helping that sucaminchia. Trust me on that.
CESARE: Well, heard you roughed him up, so maybe you're right. Now, I have a very special job for you, carusu.
[He approaches the groom tending to a horse outside the stables.]
CESARE: Hey, Gaspare. Enzo's come to help out the stables.
GASPARE: You just made my day. There's a shovel inside.
ENZO: What will you do?
CESARE: I'll be outside, enjoying the fresh air. Find me when you'd done.
COSIMO'S CARE
Gaspare,
Cosimo is breathing heavily and snorts too much. Can't seem to make it far without him tiring.
Take good care of him, he must be well to ride in the palio.
To cure his chest, rub his throat with garlic and olive oil every morning.
If he becomes lethargic, soak his hay in wine. I will be back next week to check on him.
Arnaldo
[For a while, Enzo toils in the stable, shoveling horse shit. When he finishes, he sweeps the floor. A beautiful woman in a green headscarf with a basket of apples notices him.]
WOMAN: Who are you?
ENZO: Sono Enzo. I work here, for now.
WOMAN: You have not always been a stablehand.
ENZO: No.
WOMAN: Well, we do not always get to choose what we do.
ENZO: Suppose not. But we can choose who we are.
WOMAN: We can.
[She offers him an apple.]
ENZO: No, grazie.
[Then the woman takes a bite of the apple herself.]
WOMAN: See you around, Enzo.
[She leaves, and Enzo continues sweeping the floor. Finished, he exits the stable, hearing the voices of various people all over the villa.]
ROBERTO: So, did you speak to your uncle about what happened with Bastoni?
CESARE: He told me everything.
ENRICO: And?
CESARE: Wants me to keep it quiet. You know how it is.
ROBERTO: He didn't tell you anything, did he? Always with the bullshit, Cesare.
[Enzo approaches the groom.]
ENZO: There was a girl here. Did you see where she went?
GASPARE: Girl? Plenty of them working here. I didn't notice anyone.
ENZO: Never mind.
GASPARE: Thanks for helping in there, Enzo.
[Enzo goes to talk to Cesare, who is sitting nearby on the stairs to the house, talking with his friends. We just heard part of their conversation.]
CESARE: Don't you have work to do?
ENZO: I finished at the stables.
ENRICO: This the carusu?
CESARE: Can't you tell by the hair?
TINO: Cesare! Get off your backside and get yourself ready for dinner.
CESARE: We just finished working!
TINO: I don't care if you just finished pleasuring the blessed Madonna. Your uncle wants this thing started in an hour.
CESARE: You heard him carusu. Go back to your room and get cleaned up or you'll put everyone off their food.
[On the way, Enzo hears Enrico and Roberto talking by a car, smoking cigarettes.]
ROBERTO: Tino is in his usual sunny mood.
ENRICO: This thing with the Sparados must have really pissed him off.
ROBERTO: Ach, he's always like this. Old bastard need to drink more. Maybe he'll finally relax.
ENRICO: Tino never drinks. Says it softens the mind.
[Enzo approaches them.]
ENZO: Scusa. Who was that man?
ROBERTO: None of your business, carusu.
ENRICO: Eh kid's working here. Cesare's been showing him around. That was Tino. You keep out of his way, right?
ROBERTO: Just do what Cesare tells you and stop wandering.
ENZO: I will. Grazie.
ROBERTO: And kid, stop asking stupid questions around here.
[Enzo goes to wash up and tidy himself. Near his room, he finds the priest finishing a conversation with a woman.]
WORKER: I'm always happy to look after her.
FATHER CICCONE: Ciao. You're new to this place, aren't you, child? From the mine, I hear
ENZO: Yes.
FATHER CICCONE: Such a tragedy what happened. You've walked a difficult path for someone so young. Signor Torrisi is a generous man. I'm glad he's opened his arms to you.
ENZO: Thank you, Father.
VALENTINA: Smettila! Hands off! There'll be nothing left for everyone else.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Come on, we've been working hard.
VALENTINA: I said no. Vattene!
NOTE FROM FATHER CICCONE
Young Enzo,
Signora Trapani has informed me of your recent trials. You have endured great hardships, like many of the waifs and strays I have seen pass through this land.
Know that the Lord has a purpose for you. I believe he guided you to this vineyard to fulfil it.
I pray that you find peace and strength here. I hear confession at the chapel on the hill — my door is always open to you.
Your servant in Christ, Father Ciccone
[After washing up, Enzo comes to the party. He is timid and shy, not knowing how to behave in such a situation. He notices the Don talking with guests.]
DON TORRISI: Will you go and check?
VALENTINA: Bernardo... Sit.
[Enzo approaches the table where the servants are sitting.]
CLARISSA: Come, stay a while.
ENZO: Grazie.
[Clarissa offers Enzo a large bowl of food, and he, having received visual permission to eat, attacks it, greedily shoving spoonful after spoonful into his mouth. Luca approaches them and sits next to Enzo, holding a bottle of wine.]
LUCA: Clarissa, do you mind? Ah Enzo, I've seen dogs with more restraint. The Don butchers all the meat himself. I'll let him know you appreciate his work.
ENZO: I want to thank you, about before, about the job.
LUCA: It's that man you should thank. (he nods to the Don) If you want to show him some gratitude, work hard, and keep out of trouble. Come on, it's a celebration, drink.
[Enzo enjoys the wine offered by Luca - he clearly doesn't get to drink such things often.]
LUCA: Buono, eh?
ENZO: Che buono.
[He smiles but notices old man Tino smoking a pipe, and the smile fades from his face.]
LUCA: Ah, Tino, the heart and soul of every occasion. He's the Don's old friend and a kind of... advisor. You'll get to know these people. Who to go to for help, who you should keep an eye out for... Look and listen, that'll teach you all you need to know. Ah, finally. The guest of honor.
[A girl in a green dress approaches the Don's table. Enzo realizes he's seen her before.]
ENZO: Who is she?
DON TORRISI: Please, my friends, my family. Be upstanding in the celebration of my beautiful daughter Isabella on her name day.
[Everyone applauds.]
DON TORRISI: Salute!
[Everyone drinks. Isabella makes eye contact with Enzo, and he gives a slight nod, congratulating the birthday girl.]
II - PALIO
[Some time passes. Enzo loads crates of wine onto a cart together with Luca.]LUCA: Hey, we still have work to do.
ENZO: Where are they going?
LUCA: There's a festa in San Celeste, happens every year. The main event's a cavalcata, a big horse race. Each town sends riders, it can get pretty heated. Have you ever been to anything like that?
ENZO: Never been to San Celeste. I know about the race though. I heard that the Collezolfo riders always win.
LUCA: The Spadaro team? (spits) Fitusi... If we make all our deliveries, you will see how much bullshit that is.
[They finish loading.]
LUCA: Alright, we're all set. You ready to learn a little about business? Give me a moment and we'll get on the road. Some of Don Galante associates will be by later with a delivery. Don't fall asleep in the sun.
[Enzo mounts a horse.]
ANGELO: As is I would.
LUCA: Andiamo. Let's get going!
OLD DRIVER: What?
[They ride along a dusty, sun-drenched road. To pass the time, they talk.]
LUCA I said, let's get going! Old man on the cart got a head like a sponge these days. He doesn't hear so well anymore. Loyal though, was here long before me. Eighty years old and still delivering Torrisi wine across the valley.
ENZO: The Don looks after him then?
LUCA: Don Torrisi takes care of everyone around here, Enzo. Watch and learn today.
ENZO: How long have you worked for Don Torrisi?
LUCA: Twenty years or thereabouts. I lose track.
ENZO: What brought you here?
LUCA: Well... my father farmed cattle up in the hills. Bandits, they came one night. Shot him dead. The Don... he helped me after that.
ENZO: I am sorry.
LUCA: You decided to stick around then? I wasn't sure you'd last.
ENZO: What do you mean?
LUCA: I figured you for heading to America. To make your fortune, like so many others.
ENZO: Everything I want is here.
LUCA: Oh? And what is it you want?
ENZO: To live how I choose.
LUCA: You are a hard worker, Enzo. A dependable pair of hands. That'll see you go far. Weather is perfect it should be a good race.
ENZO: The Collezolfo riders, I used to see them train. Always wondered why. They'll be hard to beat.
LUCA: Ach... We've got Arnaldo. He's won before, and he can win again.
ENZO: He's that good?
LUCA: The boy has God given talent. It'd take the devil's work to stop him from are winning today. First time in San Celeste then?
ENZO: On Sundays, they take us to boys by part to mass, in Collezolfo. That's the furthest I got from the mine.
LUCA: Well, you'll get to see the town today. Don Torrisi has dealings with many of the people there.
ENZO: Like delivering wine?
LUCA: Sure, wine amongst other things.
ENZO: Such as?
LUCA: Be careful with these questions, Enzo. The Don is in the business of favors. He helps those who have nobody to turn to who have something worth protecting. These people then respond with that gratitude and respect. His name carries weight around here.
ENZO: Seems like everyone is going to watch the race.
LUCA: It's a big deal for the people of this valley. The palio is a day of rest, of celebration.
ENZO: Not for us.
LUCA: For us, business comes fist. Always.
ENZO: I didn't mean to-
LUCA: Relax. I know. I'm just telling you that this is what separates us from the workers in the fields. Before we get into town, we have a delivery to make. The building ahead. Pull up! Over there!
OLD DRIVER: What?!
LUCA: Stop here!
OLD DRIVER: Yes, yes! I'm not deaf!!
LUCA: Malirittu...
ENZO: Who's the delivery for?
LUCA: Pasquale. Friend of the family, helps fix up machines, engines, whatever we send his way. And, well, he can get his hands on things you can't find elsewhere. Enzo, grab that crate on top would you?
[Enzo takes a crate of wine from the cart. Luca also takes a crate, and they walk towards the villa.]
LUCA: You head on! To San Celeste! And let's pray to God he makes it there in one piece. Enzo, follow me. Ah, here's our man.
[Pasquale is tinkering under the hood of a car. The sound of a ratchet wrench is heard. Seeing the guests, Pasquale gets distracted and hits his head on the hood.]
LUCA: *short sharp whistle*
PASQUALE: Strùnzu...
LUCA: Hey, Pasquale!
PASQUALE: Luca.
LUCA: Busy as always, I see, eh? Enzo, over on the table. How's your mother?
PASQUALE: Same as ever. She never gives me a minute. But I sense this isn't a social call. So...
LUCA: Fifty brass watches, from our friends in Acireale. They're yours, if Enzo here can take enough to buy a decent blade.
PASQUALE: I can do that. Is he the kid who marked Bastoni's face?
LUCA: That's him.
PASQUALE: Does he know he's fucked?
LUCA: He knows Il Merlo better than most I think. Enzo, take a look inside the crate.
[Enzo opens a crate of wine and finds more than just wine inside.]
LUCA: Go ahead, Enzo.
PASQUALE: Head downstairs. My mamma will fix you up, just watch what you say around her.
LUCA: So I take it you won!! be joining us at the palio?
PASQUALE: Apologies to the Don, but Cesare and the boys, they came round last night with a bottle of American whiskey. My head, it's still a little sore.
LUCA: I'll make your excuses.
PASQUALE: God only knows where he ended up. He left me at midnight to find some cunnu.
[Enzo meanwhile enters the basement where the workshop is located.]
ENZO: Buongiorno, signora, I'm looking for a knife.
BENEDETTA: Table, over there.
[Enzo approaches closer and sees strange metal symbols lying on the workbench.]
BENEDETTA: That is a trinacria, an ancient symbol of our land. They hold a special value. If you ever find one, bring it to me, yes? I'll pay good money for any that you discover.
THE SICILIAN TRINACRIA
ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES IN THE VALLE DORATA, SICILY
Excavations across the Valle Dorata have uncovered numerous round tablets bearing the Trinacria symbol, closely linked to the ancient Greek settlement in the region. These tablets, particularly abundant near the Temple of Aphrodite, are believed to have been ceremonial offerings to the goddess of love and fertility.
The Trinacria — three bent legs radiating from a central Medusa head—symbolized Sicily's triangular shape and its three capes: Peloro, Passero, and Lilibeo. To the Greeks, it signified motion, unity, and protection, with Medusa warding off evil.
Interestingly, many of these tablets were repurposed over the centuries, incorporated into walls and buildings in later Roman and medieval periods. They remain a common find in ruins, attesting to their durable craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of Sicily’s ancient past.
[Enzo inspects the basement, lit by the light of a few dim burners. Various items for sale, as well as weapons, lie on different tables.]
BENEDETTA: Do they look like knives to you?
[Enzo sees a raccoon stuffed animal holding a tray.]
ENZO: What's this?
BENEDETTA: What does it look like? Cleared it out from a widower's villa. Amazing what those with more money than sense have in their homes.
[Enzo chooses a knife for himself from three options.]
ENZO: I'll take this one. Grazie, signora.
BENEDETTA: Don't cut yourself on the sharp end.
[Enzo goes outside and plays with the knife.]
LUCA: Feel the weight, get used to it. Knowing that blade could save your life.
ENZO: I've won a knife fight before.
LUCA: You survived a knife fight. You want to get through another, you'd do well to learn the old ways.
ENZO: But you told me to keep out of trouble.
LUCA: You don't look for it. But trouble has a way of finding people like us.
[He picks up a lying broken saber, of which only the hilt remains.]
LUCA: When that happens, you stand your ground. Never shrink back. Whatever they start, you finish. They come for you, for the people you care about, you put them down. U capisti? Now, let me show you a thing or two.
ENZO: With that?
LUCA: Come on. First, let me see your swing. Try to land a hit on me. Good! Again. Concentrate. That's it! Show me what you know, Enzo.
[The training ends.]
LUCA: Good, so you can handle the basics. Now you need to learn when to back off. When to let your attacker slip up. I'm going to attack. You need to wait for the right moment, then parry. Then, you press your advantage. Got it?
ENZO: I'm ready.
PASQUALE: Don't go easy on him, Luca. He needs to learn.
LUCA: Sometimes, your opponent's swing will be too strong to parry. If they commit like this, throw them off-barance. Wait for the right moment, and dodge out all the way. That's it! Good!
[The training ends.]
LUCA: Let's switch it up. I'm going to guard. Come at me with everything you've got. Try to break it.
ENZO: You asked for it.
LUCA: You call that a slash? You'll hurt no one like that! Try again! With more power!
ENZO: Minchia...
LUCA: Come on! Again, do it again.
ENZO: Like that?
LUCA: That's it. Good!
ENZO: Again?
LUCA: Again! Come on.
PASQUALE: That's all you've got, carusu?
LUCA: Good, but what next? You're getting better. How's the blade feel?
ENZO: The weight, it feels good.
[They continue training in a free-form manner.]
LUCA: Damn it! Good! You might not be fucked after all. You'll tire yourself out like this. Damn, good work.
[In the end, Luca easily parries the strike, showing he was only pretending for training purposes.]
LUCA: You think anybody will take it easy on you out there? Huh? Don't take it too hard. I've had a lot of practice. You have some fight in you, Enzo. Use your brain alongside it, and you'll go further than most.
[He hears the sound of a bell ringing in the distance.]
LUCA: Minchia... We're late. Come on. Amunì, the race is starting soon! We better go. Pasquale - Enzo is with us now. Help him out if he comes around.
PASQUALE: My door is always open.
LUCA: Pasquale will trade you for anything, just watch out for his bullshit.
[They mount their horses.]
LUCA: We'll have to be quick if you want to watch the race. Andiamo!
[They gallop along dusty roads.]
WORKER: Watch out!
WORKER: Idiota!
WORKER: Once a year! Hurry up.
LUCA: You ride well. I thought I was fast, but you can really handle a horse.
ENZO: Well, you know what they say. Riding is a young man's game.
LUCA: Older men are too busy for games. Looks like we made it in time.
Remember, Spadaro and his men will be around. Watch your mouth and don't draw attention to yourself. We can leave our horses here.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Ciao, Luca. Comu stai?
LUCA: Bene, bene. Is Don Torrisi here?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He's in his tent. A word of warning though, it sounds like he's in a foul mood.
[Luca and Enzo dismount.]
LUCA: Enzo, let's go. We should make ourselves known to the Don. Feel free to take a look around. I'll meet you at Don Torrisi's tent at the end up there.
TOWNSMAN: I bet safer this year. Arnaldo. My wife wouldn't forgive me, after last year.
TOWNSMAN: Safe? You bet with the Galantes. They'll bleed you dry, no matter the odds.
ROBERTO: I wanted to thank you, Don Galante, for the American whiskey. My cousin, he sold all twelve bottles already.
DON GALANTE: Ah, bene, I told him it's the best, didn't I?
BOOKMAKER: Alright. I'm giving odds on all outcomes! Arnaldo Di Matteo, the favorite, followed by Gianni Bontante, the new Collezolfo rider.
RACING ODDS
PALIO OF SAN CELESTE
Sunday, September 10th 1904
Riders from across the valley will honor Our Lady of Sorrows with tradition and devotion. Victory awaits!
THE TEAMS AND THEIR RIDERS
The Black Bulls Arnaldo Di Matteo (5/6)
The Golden Cannons Gianni Bonafante (3/1)
Ignazio Tessari (9/1)
Piero Alberione (4/1)
The Crimson Stags Mattia Gaslini (7/1)
Silvestro Ficatellti (4/1)
The Blue Doradas Sante DeRocco (7/1)
Ugolino Papini (12/1)
Sponsored by Sig. Bernado Torrisi, of Torrisi Wine.
TOWNSMAN: I'll take ten lire on Arnaldo!
BOOKMAKER: Ten lire! Place your bet with my associate here.
TOWNSMAN: Forty on Bonfante.
BOOKMAKER: Franco you know what to do. Who's next?
TOWNSMAN: I'll take thirty, with Don Torrisi's man!
BOOKMAKER: A wise choice. Any more takers?
TOWN CRIER: Signore a signori, the race will begin shortly!
[Enzo approaches to listen to a story an elderly man is telling from a stage.]
CANTASTORIA: With my heart and my voice, I shall tell you the tale of a bandit prince, a hero born of the hills. As a boy, he saw the suffering of his people, crushed under the weight of greedy lords. Taxes, taxes, and more taxes, draining life from the land. But when our hero came of age, he took up the bow and donned a mask, ready to deliver justice. Season after season, he lived in the shadows, liberating ill-gotten wealth and returning it to the people. Word of his deeds spread like a prairie fire and the people clamored to sing his name. But the lords of the land cursed, reviled, and despised him. For he held up to them a mirror and they hated what they saw. Guardie, trackers, private detectives. Thugs, hunters, and insurance collectives. Not one could-capture the bandit prince. What hope did the lords have in such a place? He roamed the bills-freely-plaguing their minds until, one by one, the lords fled. And on that blessed day, the people rejoiced. But new lords have arrived. Different names, different clothes but with the same old demand, so whispers of the bandit prince sweep the land. Will we see his like again? Well, that is up to the lords, my friends. Ladies and gentlemen, here ends our tale. Thank you. Grazie! Grazie mille.
[Finally, Enzo approaches the Don's tent. Suddenly, an unfriendly voice is heard from inside.]
TINO: Get out! You're a disgrace!
[A young guy stumbles out of the tent.]
ARNALDO: Oh dio, non di nuovo...
[Enzo enters the tent with Luca.]
TINO: Where have you been?
LUCA: On deliveries. What's the problem?
TINO: It's Arnaldo. He's in no state to ride. He's in no state to stand up. Cesare, the imbecille, took our rider as his new drinking partner. I found them still in the whorehouse an hour ago.
DON TORRISI: What can we do? I will not forfeit this race.
ENZO: I can ride, Don Torrisi.
[Enzo carries himself confidently and calmly. Isabella turns to look at the bold guy.]
TINO: Luca, why is this farmhand here?
DON TORRISI: Can he ride?
LUCA: Outran the Spadaros, didn't he?
DON TORRISI: Alright...
[Luca prompts the Don with our young guy's name.]
LUCA: Enzo.
[The Don steps close to Enzo, hinting that the matter is serious.]
DON TORRISI: ...Enzo. There'll be a lot of people watching. You'll ride for San Celeste, but you'll represent our business, and my reputation. Can you do that?
ENZO: (with a short smile) Sì.
DON TORRISI: We have a rider. Get him ready.
[Enzo moves to exit the tent, but Luca stops him.]
LUCA: You want to twist the knife on the Spadaros? Now's your chance.
[Enzo exits the tent. Isabella is clearly impressed by his boldness. The race begins.]
TOWN CRIER: Riders, take your positions! Two laps! Around San Celeste! Al posti! Pronti! Via!
[Enzo starts the race in last place and for a long time trails at the back...]
WORKER: Let's go, San Celeste!
WORKER: Come on, Collezolfo!
WORKER: Go! Push harder!
PALIO RIDER: Annàchuti!
GALANTE RIDER: Strùnzu will fill this!
PALIO RIDER: Let’s go!
PALIO RIDER: Amunì!
ENZO: Whoa!
PALIO RIDER: Faster!
ENZO: Just one lap to go… we've got this. We can do this! Harder! Andiamo!
PALIO RIDER: Yah!
PALIO RIDER: Move it!
PALIO RIDER: Go! Now!
PALIO RIDER: Go to hell!
[...but towards the end of the race, having gotten the hang of it, he quickly overtakes one horse after another. The last rider proves to be a tough nut to crack and even overtakes Enzo closer to the finish, but he still wins by a full horse length! Everyone applauds the champion.]
TOWNSMAN: Hey, Enzo, well done, well done... Incredible!
TOWNSMAN: Hey, Enzo, great job! Bravo!
ENZO: Grazie.
LUCA: The Don asked, can he ride? You should see the smile on his face now. Bravo, Enzo.
[He hugs him.]
IGNAZIO: Move!
L'OMBRA: Out of the way!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Better luck next year, boys!
VALERIO: Spadaro cugghiuna! Forza San Celeste!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Hey, that's right!
[The Don comes out to give a speech. Il Merlo notices this and, upset by the loss, leaves with his men.]
DON TORRISI: For fifty years I've attended this race. First as a boy, then as a rider, and now as a proud patron. And as you all know, nothing makes me happier than a victory for my hometown! Traditions, like ours, are what keeps San Celeste strong. Now, let's all celebrate together and please, a hand for our winning rider! Forza San Celeste! Enjoy!
[A large cake is brought out, and everyone starts eating, cheerfully discussing the race. Enzo stands aside and smiles. Tino approaches him to dampen the joy of victory a little.]
TINO: Quite a race. In all the excitement, I almost forgot why you are here. Deliver these, with the Don's compliments.
[He hands him a crate of wine and slaps his cheek, as if telling him not to get arrogant and remember his place.]
[Enzo approaches the house where the wine needs to be delivered.]
ENZO: Piazza Garibaldi, quarantaquattro... Should be around somewhere.
[Someone touches his shoulder... It's Isabella.]
ENZO: What... What are you doing down here?
ISABELLA: I needed a walk. It's already getting out of hand back there.
ENZO: Va bene... Andiamo.
ISABELLA: So, where's our first stop?
ENZO: It's number eight, signorina. Just up ahead.
ISABELLA: You can call me Isabella, Enzo.
ENZO: Sì, signorina. I mean, Isabella.
ISABELLA: You've caused quite a stir. A runaway to a champion rider, just like that.
ENZO: Your father showed me a kindness. I help where I can.
ISABELLA: Well you certainly showed that today. My father can't stand to lose face. Just hope he appreciates what you did for him. Here we are. Number eight.
[Since Enzo's hands are full, he asks Isabella to knock on the door.]
ENZO: Could you...?
ISABELLA: What would you do without me?
ENZO: You don't need to stay, you know. This kind of work, it's beneath you.
ISABELLA: Oh, it is? I'll decide how I spend my time. Besides, you might not be such bad company.
CUSTOMER: Yes, can I help you? Signorina Torrisi. What a pleasant surprise. Is... your father here?
ISABELLA: Unfortunately it's just me. He's celebrating his win at the palio.
CUSTOMER: I see. Well, please pass on my apologies for missing our appointment last week. I meant no disrespect. I was called away, on urgent business.
ISABELLA: I'm sure my father understands.
ENZO: Please, take a bottle.
CUSTOMER: I thank you both. And the Don, of course.
ISABELLA: Done? Bene, on to the next one.
ENZO: Who was he?
ISABELLA: I have no idea.
ENZO: He seemed to know you.
ISABELLA: They know me because they want to know my father. Everybody in San Celeste wants to be Don Torrisi's friend. I have a thousand uncles.
ENZO: That must be strange. To be part of something like that. I've never had a family.
ISABELLA: Nor have I, not for a long time anyway. Where's your next stop?
ENZO: It says... Via Nino Agavi.
ISABELLA: But that's on the other side of town. Tino really has it in for you.
ENZO: I get the feeling he can't wait for me to leave.
ISABELLA: That's just Tino. Don't take it personally. But are you... Going to leave, I mean?
ENZO: I don't plan to. Not while there's a bed for me. Work to do.
ISABELLA: Then I pray Luca keeps you busy.
ENZO: I hope so. I can be happy here, I think.
ISABELLA: I think you could be right. It's just down here. One moment. I need to do something quickly.
[They approach a small drinking fountain with three heads.]
ENZO: What's that?
ISABELLA: I used to come here, with my mother.
ENZO: She's not around anymore?
ISABELLA: No. She isn't.
ENZO: I'm sorry.
ISABELLA: This fountain, it's said to be blessed. You pray here, and life will bring you fortune. So, did you want to say a prayer?
ENZO: You should say one for me.
ISABELLA: Why of course. Ave Maria, look down upon us today with the warmth of your heart. As you have cared for mamma up above, show us too, below, the kindness. of your spirit and guide us towards happiness.
ENZO: Do you ever get what you ask for?
ISABELLA: Every now and again. Right, let's go. It's a long way to Nino Agavi.
ENZO: Lead the way.
ISABELLA: This square, up ahead, is my favorite place in San Celeste. It has beautiful views, of the mountain and the valley. It's quiet, too. You can be alone here, even though you're surrounded by houses and people.
[They pass through a steel gate and suddenly run into three of Enzo's acquaintances from his time working in the mine.]
ENZO: Minchia... Spadaros.
L'OMBRA: Hey, carusu! Or is it 'delivery boy' now? You're really coming up in the world. Even got yourself a little buttana.
ISABELLA: Testa 'i minchia!
ENZO: Calma! Calma!
[L'ombra pulls out a knife.]
L'OMBRA: Il Merlo misses you. I think I'll give him a little piece.
ISABELLA: Enzo!
[Enzo throws a crate of wine at L'ombra.]
ENZO: Get back!
[He pulls out his knife, ready to defend his life, and possibly Isabella's life.]
ENZO: You threaten women now?
L'OMBRA: Just saying hello, carusu.
ENZO: Spadaros, all the same.
L'OMBRA: Fuck her I'm here for you... You'll wish you died at the mine when I'm through. Big mistake racing for Torrisi against us.
[Parrying the strike as Luca taught him, Enzo grabs the thug in a hold.]
ENZO: You shouldn't have come here.
L'OMBRA: Testa 'i minchia!
ENZO: You'll regret coming after me!
ISABELLA: Enzo!! Bastaadi!
L'OMBRA: Should have never crossed me or my brother!
ENZO: You and your brother are nothing!
L'OMBRA: Damiano will be happy to see you, when I drag you back to the mine. You die here, carusu! Can't dodge me forever.
ENZO: These strùnzi are next once finish with you.
[He wins, pins the thug on the cobbled street, and raises his hand to kill him, but then Luca intervenes.]
LUCA: Hey!
IGNAZIO: Shit!
LUCA: Leave.
L'OMBRA: This isn't over, carusu.
LUCA: Figgh'i buttana! Get the fuck out of here.
[The mine bandits leave, taking the wounded L'ombra with them. Isabella, understanding what will happen to Enzo for fighting, stands up for him.]
ISABELLA: Enzo was standing up for me.
LUCA: Yes? Good. Things can get out of hand on race day. Get back.
[Isabella walks towards the gates.]
LUCA: Isabella... Not a word of this to your father.
[When Isabella leaves, Luca turns to Enzo.]
LUCA: They touch her?
ENZO: Of course not.
LUCA: You're brave, Enzo. What you did was right. But being seen alone with Isabella is stupid. Anyone else other than me comes around that corner, the Spadaros wouldn't be your only problem.
ENZO: Luca we were just-
[Luca sharply cuts him off.]
LUCA: You listen to me. Carefully. The Don is very protective of his daughter. People see things, normal things, they make up stories in their heads. Don't let that happen. This stays between me and you, u capisti?
ENZO: Sì.
LUCA: Alright, let's go.
III – PIZZU
[More time passes. Tired from hard work, Enzo leans against a wall to drink some water (or possibly white wine). Looking around and making sure no one is nearby, he takes out a letter from Isabella from his pocket.]ENZO: Thank you for protecting me in San Celeste. I hope I didn't get you in trouble.
ALFIO: Ey, carusu! Luca's looking for you, out by the stables.
ENZO: Tell him I'll.... I'll be over soon.
ALFIO: Why don't you send him a little note? (chickles)
[When he leaves, Enzo takes out the letter again. In his head, he reads it in Isabella's voice.]
ISABELLA: You're curious, Enzo. Meet me in the garden, if you want to talk again. Don't worry, I won't tell.
[Enzo goes to meet Isabella, on the way meeting a priest who is scolding a little boy, about six years old.]
WORKER: And what's that? To be a pain in the neck?
WORKER: I see you walking well enough when you're done for the day, straight to the bar.
[Enzo enters a small, blooming nook behind the gates, where Isabella is already waiting for him. Barefoot, she is sitting in a tree and when Enzo gets closer, she jumps down onto the grass.]
ISABELLA: I was not sure you could read.
ENZO: You took the chance?
ISABELLA: I did.
ENZO: Why did you write to me?
ISABELLA: Why did you come?
ENZO: I wanted to say I'm sorry, about the fight. It should never have happened.
ISABELLA: Are you alright?
[She wants to get closer, but Enzo pulls back, understanding the consequences.]
ENZO: Sì, sì. It's just...
ISABELLA: What is it?
ENZO: Maybe it's not a good idea, us meeting like that, like this. People might talk.
ISABELLA: And what would they say?
[Isabella is not very pleased with Enzo's behavior, perhaps his cowardice.]
ENZO: I have to be careful and work hard. Your father is who he is.
ISABELLA: And who are you Enzo? Does my father already control your life?
[Looking at Enzo's face, she realizes she said too much.]
ISABELLA: I'm sorry...
[Suddenly, old man Tino appears!]
TINO: Hey! What are you doing here?
ENZO: Looking for Luca.
TINO: And is he here? Sneaking around where you don't belong will be the last thing you do. U capisti?
[He turns to Isabella, playing with his smoking pipe, which he never lets out of his hands.]
TINO: Your father is looking for you. And you're not a paesana, dragged up outside. Put on your shoes.
[They leave, and Enzo goes to meet Luca at the stables. On the way, he meets old acquaintances.]
ANGELO: At this rate we'll be hunting into the night.
ROBERTO: You invite Achille, this is what you get. The man never wakes up before noon.
VALERIO: Ah, carusu. Ciao.
ENZO: Ciao. What are the guns for?
ANGELO: None of your business, mine boy.
VALERIO: We're going hunting. Making the most of this weather. Maybe you'll get out today, too. Heard Luca mention something about that.
ENZO: Maybe. He wanted to see me. I better not keep him waiting. Have a good hunt.
[Enzo approaches the stable.]
GASPARE: Ciao, Enzo! Luca's looking for you. He's in the stable.
ENZO: Grazie, Gaspare.
[He enters the dark stable. Voices are heard from afar.]
CESARE: No, the redhead. The one with the big...
LUCA: Romina? You know her father's a lawyer?
CESARE: So? There's no law against fucking.
LUCA: No, I mean she's smart. She'll run a mile as soon as you open your mouth.
CESARE: Minchiuni...
LUCA: Oh! The finest horseman in all of Sicily.
CESARE: This is who we are waiting for? Bedda Matri. We're riding out with the shit shovelers now?
LUCA: Enzo stepping up saved your uncle's pride and you from a serious beating. He earned himself a change of scenery. If he wants it?
[Cesare picks up a revolver lying on a stool and plays with it, spinning the cylinder.]
ENZO: Where are you going?
LUCA: Don Torrisi looks out for people around here, makes sure they're protected from... misfortune. That security comes with a price of course, so we're going to collect what we are owed.
ENZO: So what do you need me for?
LUCA: Well sometimes, a client is feeling less than cooperative, and we need to...
CESARE: ...teach them a lesson.
LUCA: Remind them of their obligations. An extra pair of hands helps jog their memory. But don't worry, you keep your eyes open and listen.
CESARE: Besides, what else you got to do? Come on, time is money.
LUCA: Listen to this uccazzaru, barking orders. Andiamo.
[They exit the stable onto the street. Enzo follows them. All three mount horses and set off.]
LUCA: We have a few people to visit today, all down in the valley.
CESARE: It's a lot of riding around. Your nag better be up to it, mine boy.
ENZO: Don't worry, he'll be fine. Do you make these visits often?
LUCA: Often enough. Don Torrisi likes us to call in on his clients every now and then.
CESARE: Every fucking week.
ENZO: Alright. I'm round for whatever you need. Just tell me what to do.
LUCA: You hear that Cesare? That's what a work ethic sounds like.
CESARE: Ever had to get physical with anyone, carusu? Must have gotten rough, down in the pit.
ENZO: I held my own.
CESARE: There's more than lonely miners to fend off out here. You think you bar step up?
LUCA: Stop acting tough Cesare, it doesn't suit your.
CESARE: He's unproven. This men's work.
LUCA: Oh yeah? Then I should have left you at home.
ENZO: Who do you protect people from? For this money?
LUCA: There are thieves and bandits all through the hills. They prey on everybody. The law, the guardie, they don't help.
CESARE: They're just as bad as the bandits.
LUCA: Life is tough out here, Enzo. And so, people turn to the Don when they are in need. He just ask something in return. To dip his beak, you might say.
CESARE: A little taste here and there. That's all.
LUCA: We've got to make a quick stop up ahead. There's an olive farmer we need to see.
ENZO: This is our first collection?
LUCA: That's right, but this should be straightforward. The farmer, he rents land from Don Torrisi. He makes good money. Always pays on time. Just watch and learn.
[They ride up to a villa.]
LUCA: Here we are. This won't take a minute.
VILLAGER: Signor Trapani. It's good to see you.
LUCA: Salutamu.
VILLAGER: Please, I'll mind the horses. My father is in his yard.
LUCA: Grazie.
VILLAGER: Marco, Signor Trapani is here to see you!
PUBLIC WARNING
ATTENZIONE!
Bandit activity is on the rise in our community.
Just recently, Signor Dolfini’s plough was stolen and Signor Nivolli was robbed at gunpoint.
Please ensure you lock away all valuables before turning in each evening. Minimize travel at night, especially alone.
Stay vigilant. Look out for your neighbors. Report anything suspicious to the consiglio comunale, who will inform the guardie.
CESARE: You'd think the King of Italy was visiting...
LUCA: Sta’ mutu. These are the Don's tenants, they give us no trouble. You should appreciate things being simple.
MARCO: Gianluca, a pleasure as always.
LUCA: Marco. I trust you're well?
MARCO: I'm old, everything hurts, and my son prefers the bottle to the rake. But who can complain?
LUCA: You need to shake some sense into him. A man your age shouldn't work like you do. Aside from the aches and pains, how's business?
MARCO: Olives grow and we make money. Speaking of which...
LUCA: And no trouble?
MARCO: Who would bother us? This is the Don's land.
LUCA: Well, you know where I am.
MARCO: Of course. Please give my regards to Don Torrisi.
LUCA: I will. Cesare, Enzo. Let's go. We have more stops to make.
[They mount their horses again and set off.]
ENZO: As you said. Easy.
LUCA: Marco has rented land from the Don for many years. We provide protection, for his family and his livelihood. So yes, there's trust there.
ENZO: They respect you.
CESARE: Don't flatter him. It's the Don they respect. And his land they're leeching off.
LUCA: They understand our business. They pay for a service, and in return sleep easy at night.
CESARE: I've been thinking, we should use a car for collections.
LUCA: There's nothing wrong with horses.
CESARE: Farmers ride horses. A car shows we mean business, that we're a cut above.
LUCA: You want to take a car down these tracks? You won't make much of an impression getting towed out of a ditch.
CESARE: You know your problem? Always expecting the worst. I'd drive these collections in half the time, and have you back in time for lunch and a little nap with Valentina.
LUCA: It's not about speed. Cesare We don't need the attention. Next stop's going to be a farm. They produce lemons. The owner's late on his payments.
CESARE: Finally, we get to have a little fun.
LUCA: Follow my lead. Both of you. It shouldn't be too much trouble.
[They cross a small stone bridge and approach another villa.]
ENZO: They look worried.
LUCA: They know why we're here.
CESARE: When you do business, people look the other way if they know what's good to them.
[They dismount.]
ENZO: So we head inside?
CESARE: That's the idea, carusu. You first.
LUCA: Wait a minute. The farmer here... He has a son. In front of him, he's too proud to give up what he owes right away. But he always pays. So, I give him a little back and forth.
CESARE: This again?
ENZO: So, what do we do?
LUCA: We let him act tough in front of the boy.
[He pulls out a pistol and waves it around.]
CESARE: And then we remind him of his obligations.
[Luca pulls out a pistol and hands it to Enzo.]
LUCA: Yours is unloaded. You give him a chance to be brave. Then, you let him see it. That's it.
[Enzo takes the pistol, still unsure what is expected of him.]
LUCA: Let's get this done.
[They enter the house with pistols in hand.]
LUCA: Signor Affini!
SIGNOR AFFINI: Signor Trapani. What a pleasant surprise.
LUCA: Come now, I think we both know that this is no surprise. But we can make it pleasant, I hope.
FARMER'S SON: What is this, father?
SIGNOR AFFINI: Quiet. I have no need of Don Torrisi's services today, but please take all the fruit you can carry as a token of my respect.
LUCA: That's very kind. Perhaps you can send those up to the estate. But I am here for the money you owe. As we have discussed before, the Don is always working on your behalf.
[Affinni raises his voice slightly.]
SIGNOR AFFINI: And as I have mentioned before, I have no need for protection.
LUCA: Adversity can strike when you least expect it. I strongly advise you pay what you owe.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Thank you for your concern, but I can handle my own affairs.
LUCA: Very well. Then I will leave you in the hands of my friend here. Enzo...?
[Enzo pulls the unloaded pistol from its holster and points it at Affini. The father and son are clearly frightened.]
SIGNOR AFFINI: You're going to shoot me? Over a hundred lire?
ENZO: I hope I don't have to.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Think about what you're doing here.
FARMER'S SON: Just pay them, papa!
LUCA: Your son is smart, you must be very proud.
CESARE: See how the boy likes it, carusu.
[Enzo points the pistol at the farmer's son.]
SIGNOR AFFINI: You want to point that at someone, point it at me!
CESARE: The hero!
LUCA: Pay what you owe and nobody gets hurt.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Alright, alright. There's money in the back room. Give me a minute to fetch it.
LUCA: Don't go to any trouble. Enzo will get it.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Fine. You get it then.
[Enzo goes into an adjacent room, resembling a kitchen.]
ENZO: There's a safe back here.
CESARE: So open it.
ENZO: It's locked.
LUCA: The combination, what is it?
SIGNOR AFFINI: I don't know. I can't remember.
OUTGOING PAYMENTS
July Outgoings
Shipping - 4.000 lire
Wages - 1.054 lire
Irrigation - 94 lire
Fertiliser - 76 lire
Security - 2.000 lire
Speak to Trapani - these costs are getting out of hand!
CESARE: Lla na mazzari! What do I need to do to jog your memory?
FARMER'S ROMANTIC POEM
Just like an orange, you glow
Perfectly formed
You're a clementine, sweet just so
Your skin, like velvet
The finest fruits
Do not compare to it
You excite like a lemon,
Sour? Tart? No!
You're nothing short of heaven
Mandarins may wilt
Cedars be unripe
But you, my love
You're just right
10-20-30
ENZO: I've got it.
LUCA: Now we are getting somewhere! Open her up!
APPEAL FOR INFORMATION
ATTENTION!
September 14, 1904
To the esteemed farmers and business owners of San Celeste and its environs.
As the newly appointed Commander of the San Celeste Corpo Reale Di Polizia, my foremost duty is to ensure the safety and prosperity of this community. The plague of banditry that has long afflicted our countryside must end. Your hard work and livelihoods deserve protection, and I am committed to delivering it.
However, I cannot accomplish this alone. Justice thrives on cooperation. I urge you to report crimes and share any information about those who threaten our peace. Rest assured, your identity will be safeguarded.
I understand that fear and mistrust have silenced many. Yet, silence only empowers the lawless. Together, we can root out those who exploit our traditions for personal gain. Let this be a new chapter for the Valle Dorata, one of order, security, and trust. My office is always open to you.
With determination and respect,
Major Ettore D'Amico
Commander of the Corpo Reale Di Polizia San Celeste
CESARE: What do you need a safe for, anyway? You got a big lemon you are saving for the village fair? What are you looking at? You think I'm not serious?
SIGNOR AFFINI: Nobody's looking at you!
CESARE: Well I'm looking at you.
LUCA: Hey, shut up. All of you. Giving you. Giving me a headache.
[Using the found combination, Enzo opens the safe.]
ENZO: I've got the money.
LUCA: Are we happy?
SIGNOR AFFINI: You got what you came for, now get out of here.
LUCA: So good to see you, as always. And thanks again, for the fruit.
SIGNOR AFFINI: Please don't choke on it.
[Our bandits exit the house and mount their horses.]
CESARE: I know what you're going to say. We got the money, didn't we? I didn't shoot anybody.
LUCA: This time. Control yourself. When I apply pressure, it has a purpose. When you get loud, it's emotional. Learn the difference.
CESARE: Whatever you say. So, carusu, you still prefer this to life in the mine?
LUCA: What kind of a question is that?
ENZO: If you'd spent a day underground, you wouldn't ask.
CESARE: Don't be so dramatic it's no easy thing out here, either.
LUCA: Enough, Cesare. Our next stop is the quarry. The owner took a loan from the Don to finance his latest venture, but we haven't heard anything since.
ENZO: So, same as last time?
LUCA: Let's wait and see. The owner usually pays on time. Something is not right.
CESARE: About that red head... Gabriela, was it?
LUCA: Lla na mazzari! Not this again.
CESARE: Hey, how am I going to meet a girl to marry if I don't try a few out? What about you, carusu? You getting any?
ENZO: No.
CESARE: I heard that pig that was butchered for Isabella's name day has a sister.
LUCA: You handled yourself well back there at the farm, Enzo. In our line of work you have to know when to push and when to pull.
ENZO: Would we have taken it further?
LUCA: The trick is to skim the cream without breaking the bottle. Violence is only ever last resort.
CESARE: Ach, it's really not that complicated. Knock knock. Crack heads. Take the money.
LUCA: And that's why Cesare's uncle doesn't let him out on his own.
[They ride up to a quarry.]
CESARE: Ach, what's all this?
WORKER: Quarry's closed, signori.
CESARE: Not to us it isn't.
LUCA: We're with Don Torrisi. Out of the way.
[The quarry workers have gathered in a crowd near the entrance.]
CESARE: Lazy bastaddi are just standing around. Shouldn't they be hitting rocks or something?
LUCA: Let's find the owner and get to the bottom of this.
[They dismount and approach the foreman's house. A worker is standing by the door.]
WORKER: We can wait out here all day!
LUCA: Stand aside. I need to speak with your boss.
WORKER: No boss of mine in there.
CESARE: Alright then. How about you get out of the way before I put a pick through your skull?
WORKER: Be my guest. Saves me breaking this door down. You ask that deadbeat where our money is.
LUCA: Signor Banaglio, open up.
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: Who is it?
LUCA: Luca Trapani.
[The door opens, and the bandits enter.]
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: My apologies for all the commotion. As you can see, matters have gotten out of hand.
LUCA: What's going on out there?
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: I took on some men from Collezolfo. Damned socialistas. They are on strike, if you can believe that.
LUCA: You know Don Torrisi takes a dim view on strikes. What is their complaint?
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: A deal fell through. I don't get paid, they don't get paid. It's as simple as that.
LUCA: We'll stamp this out before it takes hold. Who is the ringleader?
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: A stone cutter called Manuele. Big guy, loudmouth. You can't miss him.
LUCA: Good to know. Enzo, let's go.
MANUELE: That sucaminchia hides away like a fucking coward. And wants us to break our backs? Well, if he doesn't get his hand in his pocket, he's going to get my foot in his ass.
[The bandits move closer.]
MANUELE: What is this now?
LUCA: Manuele, isn't it?
MANUELE: Do I know you?
LUCA: No, but I know your employer and he's a friend of my boss. Don Torrisi.
MANUELE: Good for him.
LUCA: We can't have strikes around here, Manuele. You and your friends need to get back to work. This is bad for everyone, bad for business.
MANUELE: Fuck your business.
LUCA: There's no need to cause a scene. Just get back to work.
MANUELE: You going to make me?
[Enzo pulls out his knife.]
LUCA: It seems that my friend is going to take it from here.
MANUELE: If that's how you want it.
[A knife fight begins.]
MANUELE: Not too late to put away your blade, and leave with those two.
ENZO: Where's that big mouth now, huh?
MANUELE: You little bastard.
CESARE: If your man's as tough as he says, he'll hold his own. Stay back if you know what's good for you.
MANUELE: Sucaminchia! Shit!
[Enzo wins and knocks Manuele unconscious with a blow to the face.]
LUCA: Anyone else? No?
CESARE: Quit standing around!
LUCA: Get back to work! Your little revolution is over. Pay the troublemakers what they are owed then get rid of them.
SIGNOR BANAGLIO: Please send my regards to Don Torrisi.
CESARE: See you in a month.
[They mount their horses and ride away.]
CESARE: You're handy with a knife, mine boy. There might be hope for you yet.
ENZO: He was all talk. If he had any balls, he would have taken his money already. Those workers had a point. They were owed their pay.
LUCA: Right or not, we can't have labor unions on the Don's turf. We are in favor of free enterprise around here.
CESARE: Lazy idioti. Maybe they stopped complaining, they might earn decent money.
LUCA: Easy for you to say. What have you ever had to work for?
CESARE: I'm working now, aren't I?
LUCA: Is that what you call it?
ENZO: There were always union people around Collezolfo. Even protests, when I was small. But nothing got better.
LUCA: It never does. Back in the nineties, the Fosci Siciliani, unions were everywhere. The Don, Tino and me, we broke strikes. It was our specialty.
ENZO: Shame it has to come to that.
LUCA: The world is as it is. We keep order so people can work. That's good in its own way.
ENZO: I suppose so.
LUCA: See there that tower? We're coming into Port Almaro.
ENZO: I heard of it. It's a town on the sea.
LUCA: The Garante family operates here. They're friends of ours.
ENZO: Galante? Like the tuna?
LUCA: Sure, like the tuna.
CESARE: Don Galante runs the shore. He goes way back with my uncle.
LUCA: Good people to know.
[They ride into the city and dismount.]
LUCA: The Galantes run this port. They know everything that comes in, everything that goes out.
CESARE: Bottles from around the world come off the boats, straight into the bar. And the girls upstairs? Oof.
LUCA: They earn good money. And they rarely have to get their hands dirty, either. Remember, these are friends of ours. You hang back, I'll do the introductions.
[They approach closer. Don Galante is playing chess and is happy with a good move.]
DON GALANTE: Leone, Leone...
LUCA: You ever work around here? Or just sit around and play games?
DON GALANTE: Oh. Un momento.
LEO: Merda!
DON GALANTE: We aim to keep our minds sharp. At least I do.
[They shake hands.]
DON GALANTE: We aim to keep our minds sharp. At least I do.
LUCA: This is Enzo, he's been helping us out. He's a good kid, learns quick.
DON GALANTE: I hope he learns quicker than this one.
LUCA: Shall we?
DON GALANTE: Of course, inside.
[They enter a bar from which two young prostitutes are leaving; Cesare checks them out.]
LEO: Franco, for our friends here.
[The Don hands Luca a bag of money.]
DON GALANTE: I'm sorry to say it's a little light.
LUCA: Trouble?
LEO: The guardie has been... difficult, lately. More inspections. More eyes everywhere.
DON GALANTE: The new chief has brought in some of his own people... He got the foremen looking over their shoulders.
CESARE: So go remind them how things work.
LEO: Exactly.
LUCA: Anything we can lend a hand with?
DON GALANTE: The shortfall is due to a shipment that was taken into the customs warehouse before we got to it. Unexpected change of personnel.
LEO: We have a buyer.
LUCA: Sure, but do you have a plan?
LEO: Need you ask?
LUCA: You two, with Leo. Keep things quiet, alright?
CESARE: And what? You sit here scratching your balls?
LUCA: We have business to discuss.
CESARE: Come on, let's go.
DON GALANTE: Franco, Nero d'Avola. You'd think I'd asked him to stamp the grapes himself.
LUCA: Scopa?
[Enzo, Leo, and Cesare exit the bar.]
CESARE: Come on.
LEO: It was Enzo, right?
ENZO: That's right.
LEO: I'm Leo. Good to have you on board. Customs yard is this way! I saw you at the palio. You're quite a rider.
ENZO: Thanks.
CESARE: Leo should be thanking you. He was taking bets on the race. Nobody thought you'd win.
LEO: That's true. We cleaned up.
CESARE: What's the shipment anyway?
LEO: Premium whiskey, from our friends in America. It's worth a fortune.
CESARE: Then why did you let it get impounded. I thought you were the brains of this operation.
LEO: New police chief made a surprise visit, just as we were unloading. Bad timing.
ENZO: Isn't it risky, stealing from the guardie?
CESARE: We've robbed from this place more times than I can count.
LEO: The customs yard is where they send the officers who can't tie their bootlaces. Just keep your head and you'll be fine. Alright, same plan as always Cesare. I distract the guardie on the gate. You two go over the back wall.
CESARE: What are we looking for?
LEO: Whiskey. In boxes. Give me a signal when you find it. And keep it quiet in there.
CESARE: Come on follow me.
ENZO: Lead the way.
[Enzo follows Cesare around the guard post.]
CESARE: Minchia, I just bought these shoes.
CESARE: There, we can climb up. You keep that knife in your pocket. And don't raise the alarm, u capisti?
ENZO: I get it. We're just here for the whiskey.
[From a distance, Leo's voice is heard distracting the guard, noticing that Enzo and Cesare have approached the wall. Cesare helps Enzo climb over to the other side.]
LEO: Antonio! So good to see you.
GUARDIA: Leo. What do you want?
LEO: Does a man need a reason to visit a friend?
ENZO: Alright, I'm in. What about you?
CESARE: Just go find the whiskey.
ENZO: Cesare? Cesare? Minchiuni!
[He has to act alone. He hides behind crates because he sees two guards.]
GUARDIA: What?
GUARDIA: Whiskey, and not the cheap swill. Humphreys, straight from Empire Bay.
GUARDIA: No paperwork I take it?
GUARDIA: What do you think? The shipment is on a cart by the front gate. Maybe we liberate a bottle or two at the end of our shift, huh?
GUARDIA: "Liberate" a bottle. Who does he think he is?
[The guards separate, and Enzo knocks one out by sneaking up from behind.]
ENZO: Sleep tight, amico.
CUSTOMS OFFICE REPORT
Porto Almaro, September 28, 1904
Subject: Undocumented Alcohol
At approximately 02:30 this morning, during an inspection led by Major Ettore D'Amico, an undocumented shipment of American whiskey was discovered being unloaded from a fishing boat at the Porto Almaro docks.
Upon arrival, Officer Delgrosso observed the crew hastily abandoning the vessel, along with several unknown individuals. All suspects fled the scene and could not be apprehended despite an immediate search of the area.
The cargo, consisting of 20 crates of whiskey with no accompanying documentation, has been impounded and transferred to secure storage pending further investigation.
Updates will follow as the investigation continues. In addition, Maj. D'Amico has ordered a thorough review of dock procedures.
Signed,
Appuntato Antonio Franzoni
Customs Office Porto Almaro
[Enzo uses empty wine bottles to distract the guards.]
GUARDIA: Hey, enough sitting around!
GUARDIA: Relax, I'm just taking a break.
GUARDIA: We're behind two weeks on inspections and you're just "taking a break"?
GUARDIA: Ach, we'll catch up over winter, like we always do.
GUARDIA: You can tell that to the chief. Get to that American whiskey today. It's up by the front gate.
[Enzo searches one of the crates looking for whiskey.]
ENZO: This isn't it.
[...then another one.]
ENZO: Not here!
GUARDIA: Few more hours, then I'm out of here...
[Finally, the whiskey is found!]
ENZO: This is it, the whiskey. Now to get it out of here...
[He exits through a gate not far from the guard, whom Leo is distracting. Leo quickly notices this and starts sweet-talking him to prevent him from turning around. Cesare helps Enzo carry the crates.]
CUSTOMS OFFICER: I'm glad you enjoyed it, Leone, but I really must...
LEO: No!
CUSTOMS OFFICER: No?
LEO: It's not enough. You wouldn't turn down a kindness, would you?
CUSTOMS OFFICER: I am almost finished...
LEO: Bene. Shall we?
[Leo leads the guard away. Enzo struggles to carry the heavy crates. After a while, he brings a cart to Leo, who is waiting for him near Don Galante's bar, nervously smoking.]
LEO: He's enjoying some refreshment. Besides, his attention's on other things.
[The Don himself approaches and takes one of the whiskey bottles from a crate.]
DON GALANTE: Grazie. Thank you, gentlemen.
[He offers the guard a drink of the very whiskey he's supposed to be guarding. Having stayed until evening, it's time for our bandits to return home.]
LEO: Come. I'll get the goods shifted. You'll have the money tomorrow.
LUCA: Bring it when you can. The Don knows you're good for it. See you around, Leo. Let's go. We're not done yet.
LEO: Luca. Cesare. Good to meet you, Enzo.
[They mount their horses.]
LUCA: One more stop and we're done for the day.
CESARE: Grazie a Diu! I need a drink. Where is it?
LUCA: We're going to see old man Fichera. He's a stubborn bastard, but he pays on time. We should be home by sunset.
CESARE: Fichera? His place is a mile away. Let's just leave him till next week.
LUCA: He's on the book, so we see him today. No reason to hang around though, let's ride. How have you found today, Enzo?
ENZO: Yes, no problems is every day like this on collections?
LUCA: Only the good ones.
CESARE: After this collection, we'll visit the bordello?
LUCA: I'm married, idiota.
CESARE: Ach. Valentina can spare you a few more hours!
LUCA: Lia na mazzari!
CESARE: What about you, carusu? Though, you might need to wash first. These girls will put up with a lot, but they don't go to bed with livestock.
ENZO: Vafanculu (Fuck off), Cesare...
LUCA: Oh! That's the spirit.
ENZO: So, we do the same tomorrow?
CESARE: You so keen to work again?
LUCA: Not tomorrow, no. We did this every day, no one would have the money to pay us.
[They arrive at the farm.]
FARMER FICHERA: Ah, the vultures are finally here.
LUCA: Signor Fichera! Is something bothering you?
FARMER FICHERA: Yes, you could say that. Two nights ago, thieves came and stole my new water pump. Hundreds of lire, just thrown away.
LUCA: I'm sorry to hear that.
FARMER FICHERA: I pay you to protect my property, yet you do nothing. I believed Don Torrisi to be an honorable man, but it seems he is no better than these thieves.
CESARE: Hey, watch your mouth!
LUCA: Calma. Our friend here has a point.
CESARE: You can't be serious?
LUCA: Signor Fichera, do you know where the thieves went?
FARMER FICHERA: How should I know? Back to the hills. Messina's bunch if I had to guess.
LUCA: You might be right. We'll look into it.
[They mount their horses again.]
CESARE: What are you thinking, letting that old fool talk to you like that?
LUCA: Fichera is harmless, but he does have a big mouth. We solve this problem, people will hear about it. That helps our business.
CESARE: If this is about sending a message. I vote we beat him blind.
LUCA: Only grown ups get to vote, Cesare. Bandits, they camp up there in the hills, away from the roads.
CESARE: They're like rats, always hiding.
LUCA: They roam around from place to place. I lived up here when I was a boy. I know their haunts.
CESARE: Do you actually know where you are going?
LUCA: Sta' mutu. There's a clear trail here. Besides, these briganti are creatures of habit. I have an idea where they are.
CESARE: Whatever you say.
LUCA: Look here, this ruin. A good vantage spot on Fichera's farm. Let's try higher ground. Up ahead, I see smoke. Bastaddi are still there!
CESARE: Idiota. Now he's the rash one. Let's catch up to him before he gets himself killed. There he is, just ahead. Let's catch up on foot.
[They dismount and walk along a narrow mountain path to a small house.]
LUCA: What do you see?
CESARE: Shitty old farm.
CESARE: It's abandoned.
ENZO: The smoke?
LUCA: Someone's here. I'd wager just who we're looking for. Pistol.
[Enzo hands him his empty revolver. Luca loads a few bullets into it.]
LUCA: When they stole from old man Fichera, they put their hand in the Don's pocket. We can't have that. I'll be waiting back at Fichera's place. Make sure you clean up.
[He leaves. Enzo looks at the pistol for a minute, knowing he will soon have to shoot people.]
ENZO: You done this before?
CESARE: Yeah... Of course.
ENZO: I've got your back, Cesare.
CESARE: You'd better have.
[Sneaking quietly towards the house, they hear voices of thieves coming from inside.]
BANDIT: Haven't we earned a little action?
BANDIT: You'll still get your share. Besides, someone has to watch over the camp.
ENZO: How do we do this?
CESARE: You... You take the one on the right, by the well. I'll take the one on the left.
ENZO: Got it.
CESARE: You take the lead. We'll see if your shovelling days really are behind you.
[Enzo proves to be a good shot, and they quickly kill several thieves.]
CESARE: Nice work. You alright?
ENZO: Sì, si tutto bene. You?
CESARE: Fine. Let's check inside. That pump has to be around here somewhere. Hey, come take a look at this! They sure have a lot of guns.
ENZO: What are they doing with them?
CESARE: How do I know? Let's find that pump and get out of here. Now this is a serious rifle. Take it, let's see if you can handle something bigger than a pistol.
LIST OF TARGETS
D. Abbagnale - Dotes on his wife. Away on business often. Wife then left only with the house staff. Villa is rural. lsolated.
G. Fontanella - Palermo playboy. Leaves late at night to visit a brothel in Casalotto. Reckless, drives home drunk in Eckhart Dominion.
G. Ludovici - Rarely leaves his villa aside for meetings in Palermo. Lots of expensive deliveries made to his home. Spadaro provides security. Would need to cut him in.
L. Rebagliati - Son frequents gambling dens. Has an opium habit. Rebagliati’s unlikely to speak to the guardie given the son's activities. Good ransoming opportunity.
RANSOM NOTE - ROMINA
If you want to see your Romina returned safely to you, you will do exactly as I say.
Next Sunday, you will leave 30,000 lire in the hollow of a dead oak tree on the eastern road to Marina di Colledoro. Do this and the following morning Romina will be home again.
Should we not find the lire or find you reckless enough to tell the guardie, you will never see Romina again.
You understand who you are dealing with. That I am a man of my word.
Her fate is in your hands.
Messina
ENZO: This Paolo Messina guy, who is he?
CESARE: A notorious bandit. King of the dunghill. Bedda matri! Those thieving bastards have been busy. Might do some thieving of my own...
[Enzo finds a double-barreled shotgun.]
ENZO: Feels good. Heavy.
CESARE: As it should. That's a lot more firepower.
[Enzo finds a pump loaded onto a cart.]
ENZO: Cesare, over here! I found it.
CESARE: Let's get out of here then. Open up the gate.
[However, upon opening the gate, Enzo almost gets shot!]
ENZO: Shit!
CESARE: Watch out!
ENZO: How many are there?!
CESARE: Just fucking shoot, or we're dead! They're coming round the back! Keep holding them off out here.
[They manage to deal with the thieves who attacked.]
ENZO: Still breathing?
CESARE: Yeah, yeah. Just... give me a minute. The bodies. We need to get rid of them. I can't drag them all myself. Come on. You already shot the guy. You scared to pick him up? The dead can't hurt you. Grab him and let's go. I can't drag them all myself. Come on.
[After searching the pockets of all the dead thieves, Enzo starts dragging their corpses.]
ENZO: This wasn't how I thought I'd end my day.
CESARE: You killed him. Least you can do is give him a proper burial.
ENZO: One thing to kill a man...
CESARE: Save it. The dead don't care. Hurry it up, will you? Sooner we get out of here, the better.
[They dump the bodies into a well. Not exactly a "dignified burial."]
CESARE: Where are you taking him? Bring him to the well! Minchia, pesa! Wait!
[He tries to take the gold jewelry off a hand.]
ENZO: What are you doing Cesare?
CESARE: Keep him steady. Fat bastard has fingers like salsicce...
[He cuts off the fat man's finger to take a ring.]
ENZO: Fuck! Cchi ffu, Cesare?
CESARE: Could be pure gold. He's got no use for it now. Sometimes there are opportunities Luca and my uncle... They don't need to know about. Stays between us?
ENZO: Va bene.
CESARE: Right. We better go, before Luca thinks we got ourselves killed. Hey - you did good today. For a mine boy...
[They return to the farm with the cart.]
LUCA: Oh, here they are. Good work, boys. Whoa, fermo. Is this what was stolen, signore?
FARMER FICHERA: That's all of it. Grazie, grazie mille!
LUCA: Don Torrisi honors his commitments.
FARMER FICHERA: And the Don has my gratitude, of course.
LUCA: I'm glad we could make things right. That will be one hundred lire.
[He extends his hand to get paid.]
FARMER FICHERA: What?
CESARE: For this? Oof, at least.
LUCA: So one hundred, I'd say that's a good deal?
ENZO: Damn good deal.
[With a rifle over his shoulder, Enzo looks quite threatening. The old man, after thinking for a bit, reaches for the money.]
LUCA: Thank you, Signor Fichera. We'll see you next month.
FARMER FICHERA: (quietly) Facitivi schifiàri, thieving bastards...
1905
IV - IL BARONE
[Enzo rests, reading a newspaper, while Cesare sits on a stone wall playing with the ring.]CESARE: Why don't you get yourself a girl? Have some fun once in a while? What about Francesca from the taverna? She does this one thing. Madone... Come to think of it, she'd be wasted on you.
[He throws small pebbles at Enzo.]
ENZO: Minchia, Cesare. Smettila!
[Noticing the car, Cesare gives a whistle signal.]
LUCA: They're here!
DON TORRISI: Raffaele!
[An older man and a young guy who was driving get out of the car.]
BARON FONTANELLA: Bernardo!
DON TORRISI: A pleasure as always. Quite a machine.
BARON FONTANELLA: It's a long drive from Palermo.
DON TORRISI: Well, friends should meet in person.
ENZO: Who is that?
CESARE: Baron Fontanella. Owns most of everything around here. My uncle... helps him out from time to time.
DON TORRISI: Isabella, come, greet our guests.
ENZO: And him?
CESARE: His son, Gennaro. Only thing he loves more than money is himself. Here he comes...
[The young guy kisses Isabella's hand, which Enzo doesn't like. Luca approaches them.]
LUCA: I have an important job for you two so listen. It's in the Don's interest for Isabella to spend some time with the Baron's boy. He wants to see the old temple, on the coast. You're to take them there. Make sure he keeps his hands to himself.
CESARE: As if that cugghiuni has it in him to make a move.
[At this moment, Gennaro is telling Isabella something about cars.]
LUCA: The Don is counting on this going well, Cesare. Be nice.
GENNARO: Ever ridden in an automobile? It's quite a thrill on a beautiful day like this.
ISABELLA: I was hoping to take my horse, stretch her legs.
CESARE: Her loss. I don't mind driving. You must be tired from the journey.
GENNARO: Not tired enough to trust you behind the wheel.
CESARE: You better take a horse to keep an eye on her. Meet us at the back gate. If Gennaro can get this thing started.
[Isabella playfully approaches Enzo.]
ISABELLA: Keep an eye on me? You'll be lucky if you can keep up. Let's leave them to it and get our horses ready. They could be a while.
GENNARO: Merda!!
CESARE: Want me to show you how it's done?
GENNARO: No need! Just give me a minute.
[Enzo follows Isabella to the stables.]
ISABELLA: I hope you don't mind missing out on the drive.
ENZO: And be stuck with those two? I'd much sooner ride... and I know I'll prefer the company.
ISABELLA: Not much of a compliment, but I'll take it.
ENZO: Your father is really putting on a show.
ISABELLA: He still bends the knee like everyone else.
ENZO: Why does he care so much?
ISABELLA: Oh, didn't you know? The Baron owns this land. The great Don Torrisi is just his tenant. Ciao, Gaspare.
GASPARE: Buongiorno. Are you taking the horses out?
ISABELLA: Just Alba and one other, for Enzo.
GASPARE: Stepping up in the world, eh, carusu? Take your pick.
ISABELLA: Alright, choose a horse and we can get going. How is she?
GASPARE: Enjoying the weather out here. Gets stuffy in the stables.
ISABELLA: Which horse are you taking out? Here they come.
[Enzo comes out of the stable on a chosen horse. Cesare drives up in the car and honks loudly.]
CESARE: Are we going or not? Hurry up!
ISABELLA: Idiota. You'll scare the horses.
CESARE: Ach they need to get used to it. Let's go, Gennaro. We'll meet you at the ruins. You scared of a little speed? Let me see what she can do!
[They drive away, and Isabella and Enzo follow them on horses.]
ISABELLA: The sooner we get out of here, the better. Tino's watching me like a hawk. The sooner we get out of here, the better Tino's watching me like a hawk.
ENZO: What's his problem?
ISABELLA: He's always trying to catch me out. Get me in trouble with my father.
ENZO: Get you in trouble? Why bother when Cesare's always knee deep in it?
ISABELLA: Cesare keeps him busy, that's for sure. But Tino likes to be the one whispering in my father's ear. Ne one's safe around him.
ENZO: The outing with the Baron's boy. Why is it so important to your father?
ISABELLA: He has plans. He wants me to marry Gennaro. If he can convince the Baron to accept the gobellotto's daughter, of course.
ENZO: You and Gennaro? That's...
ISABELLA: A nightmare. My life would be over.
ENZO: He can't do this to you.
ISABELLA: He can, and he will. It's all the ever wanted for me.
ENZO: What about what you want?
ISABELLA: Funny, that has never come up.
[They catch up to the car.]
ISABELLA: Is that Valerio, up ahead?
ENZO: Ciao. Off hunting?
VALERIO: Gets me out while Fontanella's around. Cesare says you're headed to the old ruins?
ISABELLA: My father wants us to entertain Gennaro.
VALERIO: Then you must entertain him. You keep an eye out, carusu. Stay away from the mountains. The lawless men up in those valleys would kill for a car like that.
ENZO: We will. Don't worry.
ISABELLA: We used to visit the ruins all the time when my mother was alive, when we were a family. Now I have to beg my father just to leave the house.
ENZO: Maybe he just wants to keep you safe.
ISABELLA: Or keep me close, where he can control me. Last summer, I told him I wanted to study on the mainland, in Napoli. He just about smashed every glass in the house. This'll be good.
[It seems the car has broken down...]
CESARE: Enzo! Come help me with this.
ISABELLA: Your boys have fun.
ENZO: Something wrong with it?
GENNARO: No, just thought I'd enjoy the view, let the fleas burrow in nice and deep.
CESARE: Luckily you have me. I think I've fixed it, but the engine needs starting up. Enzo, you're always cranking your own handle. Come give this one a try.
[Enzo approaches the car to start the engine with a crank starter, a common thing for that time.]
VILLAGER: Signore, this car is incredible. May I take a closer look?
GENNARO: You can see very well from there.
VILLAGER: There's no need to be rude.
CESARE: See that, Gennaro? The farmhand managed it.
GENNARO: Just get in.
[They drive away sharply, almost hitting Enzo.]
ENZO: Lla na mazzari!
ISABELLA: Cosa inutili! He never thinks about anyone but himself. Let's go this way, take the scenic route.
[They mount their horses again and set off.]
ENZO: Good idea.
ISABELLA: Imagine a life stuck with hir you at least can decide who you marry. My future is bound in service to my father.
ENZO: We do not always get to choose what we do, isn't that what you told me?
ISABELLA: What happened to choosing who we are? There is more to this life than duty, Enzo.
FATHER CICCONE: Where was brother Nunzio today?
VILLAGER: He went to the mountans to find some peace.
FATHER CICCONE: Buongiorno, Isabella.
ISABELLA: Buongiorno, Father.
FATHER CICCONE: It's a fine day for a ride. Just the two of you?
ISABELLA: No... yes. Enzo is my chaperone.
FATHER CICCONE: Is that so? I haven't seen you for confession lately.
ISABELLA: Sorry, Father. I've had some things on my mind.
FATHER CICCONE: All the more reason to clear your conscience. Send my regards to your father.
[Enzo and Isabella ride on.]
ENZO: He didn't seem happy about us being alone.
ISABELLA: The respectable men of the valley are rarely pleased to see me doing things that I enjoy. I'm used to it. You're not like the others, though.
ENZO: I'm not respectable?
ISABELLA: No. I mean... you talk to me like I'm a person.
ENZO: Maybe I know what it's like to need a friend.
ISABELLA: Maybe that's it. Let's take the path through the mountains. I haven't been that way in a long time.
ENZO: But Valerio said...
ISABELLA: Race you there! Loser has to ride back with Gennaro.
ENZO: Hey!
[A friendly competition ensues between them.]
ISABELLA: Ready to lose?
[Enzo surges ahead.]
ISABELLA: You really don't want to ride with Gennaro, huh? Now you're showing off! Look at you go!
[Enzo wins the race.]
ENZO: Ha ha! Andiamo!
ISABELLA: So, the win at the palio wasn't just luck.
ENZO: I would've held back, but you're good. You know what this means.
ISABELLA: I have to ride back with that strunzu?!
ENZO: Losing's bad enough. I wouldn't force Gennaro's company on you after that.
ISABELLA: Uh, such a gentleman.
ENZO: Keep calling me that. It's going to go to my head.
ISABELLA: It's been good to get out like this with someone can talk to. I wish it could always be this way.
ENZO: Maybe it can.
ISABELLA: We're getting close. This is the way we'd come with my mother. She loved it up here.
ENZO: What happened to her?
ISABELLA: She was sick for a long time. Even on her worst days, she'd lift herself out ot bed to come here.
ENZO: So she was strong-willed. Like you.
ISABELLA: She was. When she died, everything changed. My father hasn’t been the same since.
ENZO: I'm sorry. Really.
ISABELLA: Take a right here. I want to show you something. My mother was an artist. She would paint the ruins up here, from this overlook. This is why I brought my camera. About time I took a photograph of this place. Have you ever used one of these before?
[From the hillock they rode onto, a stunning view of the valley opens up. She takes a fairly compact and, apparently, insanely expensive for those times, camera out of her pocket.]
ENZO: No. Never seen one up close.
ENZO: Are you sure?
ISABELLA: Just point it at the ruins, and look down into the lens. You might need to play with the focus, like this. And you can change how much light you let in, just here.
[She puts her hand on his shoulder but realizes she has slightly overstepped the line.]
ISABELLA: Oh, sorry.
ENZO: Don't be.
ISABELLA: Well... that's all there is to it. When you're ready, press the button.
[Enzo begins an accelerated photography course.]
ISABELLA: Make sure you're framing the ruins. That's it. Once it's ready, I'll show it to you.
ENZO: Hope it turns out good.
ISABELLA: If not, we'll just have to practice some more together. Peaceful, isn't it?
ENZO: It was.
[They notice Gennaro's car rumbling along the roads.]
ISABELLA: We better catch up with them.
[They mount their horses.]
ISABELLA: For a beginner you were a natural with the camera.
ISABELLA: If you want, you can borrow it. Plenty of places I haven't taken photos of yet. The best ones go in my journal. I've read all about the world. America, England. But the Valle Dorata’s like nowhere else. Thought I would make my own record of this place.
ENZO: I'd like to read that.
ISABELLA: Help me take more photographs, maybe you can. Almost there. It's been nice spending time with you, Enzo.
ENZO: It has.
ISABELLA: Things have been different since you showed up. Better. I'm glad your found your way to us.
ENZO: Me too.
ISABELLA: Here we are.
[They ride up to the car.]
GENNARO: Can't recall a journey I've hated more.
CESARE: Now you're just being dramatic.
GENNARO: You took your time.
ISABELLA: The temple's been here for more than two thousand years. It isn't going anywhere.
GENNARO: A girl with a camera. Whatever next?
ISABELLA: Oh, I don't know, Gennaro. A boy with manners?
GENNARO: That's not what I- Let's start again, eh? Why don't you tell me about your photographs, while we take a look around? You boys watch the car while we're gone, eh? Would you?
CESARE: Yeah, don't worry, we'll take good care of her.
ENZO: Shouldn't we go with them?
CESARE: Trust me, she can look after herself with that one.
[Gennaro and Isabella leave.]
TWO HOURS LATER
CESARE: Want to take it for a ride?
ENZO: So Gennaro trusts you behind the wheel now? You two must have really hit it off.
CESARE: Fuck Gennaro. He can go tell his daddy. And besides, I'm not driving, you are.
[Enzo looks at the marvel of modern technology with some surprise and, thinking "to hell with it, you only live once,"...]
ENZO: Fanculo... If you show me what to do.
CESARE: There you go! Let's see how you handle it, mine boy. Start the engine and get in! Me and the boys come driving here sometimes. Few drinks. Few girls. Beilissimo!
[Enzo starts the car with the crank starter.]
CESARE: There you go, now get in! Alright, put your foot there and push down. See that temple, over on that hill? That's where we start our races. Head over there, maybe we'll try a lap if you can handle her right. Use the other pedal stop if you need to. You don't want to mess this baby up. That's it. Just remember not to drive into anything, and you'll be golden. Think you're ready for a challenge, mine boy. Behold, the Circuit of the Gods. Let's see how you do getting around it. Those pillars with ribbons mark out the track. Just follow them back here, to the starting line.
ENZO: Let's do it.
CESARE: Go on then, put your foot down! People have been racing around this place for God knows how long. Even my uncle used to run horses here. First pillar coming up! Thats one down! Keep going, here comes another one! There's the next pillar!
ENZO: Did you hear that? Sounded like a gun.
CESARE: Huh? Probably hunters. Next one's coming up! Last one ahead! Alright, let's give you a real taste of what this track was made for. Go around again, but this time, put your foot down! Come on! Drive! Nobody's beaten my best time around here.
ENZO: Not until now.
CESARE: Yeah good luck. First pillar down! Speed's looking good! That's another one! You're really flying!
ENZO: Are you sure that's hunters?
CESARE: Trust me, I know this place. They love chasing birds around here. Just keep driving!
ISABELLA: Ahhh!
ENZO: Isabella!
CESARE: Minchia! We better get over there! Left, Enzo! Go! Head to the temple!
[A bullet hits the car. Armed men are hiding behind rocks.]
CESARE: Minchia! Bandits! Watch out! Anything happens to them, we're dead. Amuni!
[Enzo stops in a safe place, and they get out.]
MESSINA: Bring them to me! Kill anyone who gets in your way.
CESARE: Fuck! Messina's with them. He won't give up easily!
[They engage in a shootout.]
ENZO: Hunters, Cesare?! Really?!
CESARE: Not now! Just kill the bastaddi. These figgh 'i buttani! They'll take Isabella!
ENZO: No! We'll get to her.
BANDIT: Don't let them get any closer!
CESARE: Shit, shit, shit!
ENZO: Just keep shooting!
CESARE: We should've stayed with them!
ENZO: Going driving was your idea!
[They manage to deal with the bandits in the lower part of the ruins.]
CESARE: Get up there and find them! I'll shoot from here, keep the bastards off you!
ENZO: Isabela?! Where are you?
BANDIT: Found her!
ISABELLA: Get off me!
MESSINA: Bring her over here!
ISABELLA: Ahhh!
ENZO: Isabella! I'm coming!
[He takes out the double-barreled shotgun and, while running, takes out one bandit after another, trying to get to Isabella. Finally, he finds the group of bandits who took Isabella and tries to sneak up on them, but he is noticed, and they open fire.]
ENZO: Merda!
[Noticing this, Isabella hits the shooter in the knee, and he falls.]
ISABELLA: No!
[Messina grabs her.]
ISABELLA: Don't touch me, you bastard!
[She kicks Messina, and he hits Isabella in the face.]
ENZO: Isabella!
[She is tied up and placed in a wagon.]
MESSINA: Put him up front.
GENNARO: My father will have you-
[He immediately gets hit in the stomach with a rifle butt.]
ISABELLA: Testa 'i minchia! Figgh'i buttana!
MESSINA: Let's go!
[Isabella is taken away, and at that moment, Cesare drives up in the car.]
CESARE: Enzo! We can't let them get away. Get in!
ENZO: I drive. You shoot.
CESARE: Better hope you're a fast learner! Catch up to them! Go! Go! Messina's a dead man! He thinks he can kidnap my cousin?! Agh! The car!
ENZO: Fuck the car!
[An adrenaline-fueled high-speed chase with shootouts begins.]
CESARE: Hey! You want to kill us before my uncle gets the chance?! The way they just showed up, looks like they planned it. Can't take a shit out here without one of these bastards jumping out from behind a tree! Fire! Watch out! They're heading down the hill! Stay on them! Through the temple! Bastards! I'll kill them!
ENZO: No, Cesare! You'll hit Isabella!
CESARE: Firebomb!
GENNARO: Stop this. Now! Take the right! If we stay behind them, we're dead! Keep right! They're bringing down the pillar!
ENZO: Cristo!
MESSINA: Put holes in those strunzi!
ISABELLA: Enzo!
ENZO: Hang in there, Isabella! I'm going to get you out of this!
CESARE: Oh, fuck!
ENZO: Hold on!
[Meanwhile, the car constantly flies off steep ledges, demonstrating miracles of quality assembly. Everyone inside can fully experience the quality of the spring suspension of that time.]
GENNARO: Aah!
CESARE: Not sure how much of this she can take!
MESSINA: Take out those bastaddus in the car!
CESARE: Go left! They're blocking the road!
ENZO: Shoot the riders!
CESARE: What an idea!
ENZO: Smoke's getting worse! That can't be good!
CESARE: It's bad. Enzo! Really fucking bad! They'll all get what's coming to them. First my cousin, now the car...
ENZO: Come on, Cesare!
CESARE: What?! I barely got to drive it!
ENZO: It won't last much longer, we need to find something else!
CESARE: What else?!
ENZO: How should I know?
MESSINA: Put holes in those strunzi!
CESARE: Figgh'i buttana!
ENZO: Cesare, take the wheel!
CESARE: What?!
ENZO: Just do it! I'm going for the horse.
[He jumps onto a black horse galloping near the car.]
CESARE: Bedda matri! Don't let them get away!
MESSINA: He's still coming! Get him off of us!
[Enzo, at a gallop, shoots from a rifle, killing one bandit after another while riding at full speed.]
ENZO: Minchia!
MESSINA: Bury him! Kill this figgh 'i buttana!
ENZO: Agn, minchiuni!
GENNARO: Stop this. Now! Do something!
ENZO: I'm trying!
MESSINA: Bury him! Idioti! Get rid of him!
BANDIT: Give up, bastaddu!
ENZO: Not a chance!
MESSINA: Kill this strunzu! Bring him down! Don't let him follow!
GENNARO: Aah!
BANDIT: Who is this lunatic?! Fontanella must have hired protection!
MESSINA: Bury him! Bring him down! Figgh'i buttana! Put this bastard in the ground!
GENNARO: Aah!
[Finally, Enzo catches up to the wagon. He is riding on a hillock slightly above the road the wagon is on.]
ENZO: Stop the cart. Messina, or I'm coming down there!
ISABELLA: Enzo!
MESSINA: Kill him!
ENZO: Has to be now!
[He epicly jumps down, knocking over a bandit lurking to shoot at him. However, two other bandits are still holding Isabella, and Messina himself is driving the wagon.]
ISABELLA: Enzo!
MESSINA: Get rid of him!
[Enzo dodges one of the bandits and throws him onto the road.]
MESSINA: What are you two doing?
[Gennaro is sitting next to Messina as a passenger.]
GENNARO: The driver! Get the driver!
MESSINA: You shut up!
[Gennaro gets an elbow to the face and loses consciousness. Meanwhile, Isabella manages to hit the bandit holding her, and Enzo punches him in the face, and he falls out of the wagon.]
MESSINA: Enough!
[He pulls out a sawn-off shotgun and shoots at the heroes, but Enzo manages to jump out of the wagon with Isabella. The shot only blows off a piece of the wagon's back wall. Coming to her senses first, Isabella immediately runs to Enzo.]
ISABELLA: Enzo...
ENZO: Isabella... You alright?
ISABELLA: Enzo...
ENZO: You're alright...
[Enzo cuts Isabella's ropes, and she kisses her savior passionately and fiercely. Cesare drives up in the barely working car.]
CESARE: Isabella! Stai bene?
ISABELLA: They took Gennaro.
ENZO: You both need to go back.
CESARE: What about you?
ENZO: I'm going after them.
CESARE: I need to take you home.
ISABELLA: No!
CESARE: You know he's right.
[Isabella, albeit reluctantly, gets into the car. Cesare turns to Enzo.]
CESARE: The fuck are you doing?
ENZO: What?
CESARE: You're going to get yourself killed for that asshole?
ENZO: I need to make this right.
CESARE: Don't do anything stupid, alright? I'll be back, with Luca and the others.
MESSINA'S CAMP
[Enzo tracks the wagon and towards evening finds Messina, who has set up camp.]
ENZO: Found you...
GENNARO: Don't make it any worse for yourself!
MESSINA: Lock him up. I've heard enough of his whining.
BANDIT: Vai! Move it.
BANDIT: This was meant to be easy. Pick up the boy and hold him till your man gets what he wants.
MESSINA: The plan stays the same. We hold the little coglione till Fontanella folds. But there's a problem. The girl that was with him... is Torrisi's daughter. First light, he's going to send men. Whole area will be crawling with them. By then, we need to be gone with the kid.
BANDIT: We could leave him here.
MESSINA: Until we see some money, the kid stays with us.
[In anger, he throws the bottle of wine he was drinking into the fire.]
MESSINA: Minchia!
GENNARO: Do you know who I am? You can't do this to me! My father will send men! I'm warning you!
[Enzo, trying not to make noise, makes his way through the camp located in the mountains, hiding behind rocks and cave arches.]
BANDIT: I don't care what Messina says. The son of a baron? We should celebrate!
BANDIT: Yeah!
BANDIT: You think Don Torrisi's going to let this go? Messina nearly killed his daughter.
BANDIT: We can worry about that later. Once Fontanella pays the ransom, we can sit on the money and stay out of sight.
BANDIT: For now, we drink!
BANDIT: Five thousand lire.
BANDIT: Think the Baron will pay?
BANDIT: I heard he's in debt, losing money all over. Tried to tell Messina, but he wouldn't listen.
BANDIT: We're risking retaliation from Torrisi. There better be money in this for us.
BANDIT: Better be money in this. Messina owes me after last time.
BANDIT: What happened?
BANDIT: We lifted some water pumps from a farm in the valley, stashed them in the hills. Was supposed to be an easy job. Next day a crew turned up and shot the place to hell.
[Enzo manages to sneak to the upper part of the camp where Messina himself is holed up, eliminating bandits along the way and only starting a shootout at the very end.]
MESSINA: You again! Kill this figgh'i buttana! He's coming up the hill! Kill him!
GENNARO: Help! If I die, it's your fault! Keep them away from me! Get rid of them! Kill them! Keep them away from me! Over here! Kill them!
[After killing all the bandits, Enzo unties the poor soul Gennaro, who was tied to a post. Messina, apparently, has fled.]
GENNARO: Bedda matri! I thought you would be long gone.
ENZO: Hey, are you alright?
GENNARO: What do you think? They could have killed me. Thank God. Let's get out of here.
ENZO: Follow me, and stay close.
GENNARO: Let's get out of this wretched place! They treated me like an animal. Said they'd start cutting off my fingers if my father didn't pay. You lead the way. There could be more of them!
RANSOM NOTE - GENNARO
We have your boy, Fontanella.
Pay five thousand lire by March 27th, or we will send him back to you in pieces. We will start with his tongue to put a stop to his screams.
Leave the money at the old Marchese Farm, under the bucket by the well.
If the money is there on the morning of the 27th, we will return him to you unharmed. Mostly.
ENZO: It wouldn't have come to that.
GENNARO: Thank you. Really thought I'd die here. Is that the ransom note? How much were they asking?
ENZO: Five thousand lire. There's a way out over there. Let's go.
[He jumps over a very low fence, but Gennaro can't do it - either because of his wounds or simply because he's such a weakling.]
ENZO: Oh. You alright? We need to go, come on. Gennaro! Look at me.
[At that moment, Messina approaches with a sawn-off shotgun.]
MESSINA: You again. The kid stays with me. Once I'm done with you, we're gone. Then I get paid.
ENZO: I wouldn't count that gold just yet.
[He pulls out a knife.]
ENZO: Come on.
[Messina, either drunk or just angry, falls for this trick and also pulls out a knife.]
ENZO: Bravo.
MESSINA: You're out of your depth, boy. This is bigger than you and me. Put down the knife. I get my bounty, you walk away with your life.
ENZO: There's no deal you can make here.
MESSINA: You're nothing! Minchia!
ENZO: Sucaminchia! That the only way you can win? For what you did. I have to finish this.
MESSINA: If you think you've got it in you...
GENNARO: Hurry. Finish the bastard!
MESSINA: Nice try!
GENNARO: Kill him! Ammazzalu!
MESSINA: Foolish boy!
[They fight long and hard, but Enzo manages to gain the upper hand and knock the big guy down with a blow to the base of the neck from the spine side. Blood slowly spreads on the ground.]
GENNARO: I thought you were a dead man.
[He puts a hand on Enzo's shoulder.]
GENNARO: Thank you.
ENZO: Let's find you a horse and get back.
[Gannaro spits on Messina's corpse.]
GENNARO: Pezzo di merda.
[Meanwhile, at the villa, Luca arms his men. They are preparing to go help Enzo.]
LUCA: Okay, listen. Messina sometimes camps by the old castello this time of year. We start there. He'll know we're coming, so stay alert. And we don't come back without the boy.
[The Don approaches him.]
DON TORRISI: You put the rest of those bastards in the ground. Messina you bring back to me alive. Nobody touches my daughter. This he'll learn before his time is up.
LUCA: Okay.
CESARE: Hey!
[Enzo and Gennaro, who is clearly unwell from his wounds, ride onto the villa grounds.]
BARON FONTANELLA: Gennaro, my boy! What did those thugs do? You're hurt! You're hurt!
GENNARO: I'm alright, father. Cuts and bruises.
DON TORRISI: What about Messina and his gang?
ENZO: They won't be a problem anymore.
BARON FONTANELLA: I trust you will handle matters from here, Bernardo. Come, come. Let's go inside.
[He leaves with his son.]
DON TORRISI: I counted on you keeping Isabella and Gennaro safe.
ENZO: It won't happen again.
DON TORRISI: But, you risked your life to make amends. It showed bravery. In this family, loyalty is everything.
[The Don leaves.]
LUCA: I don't know how you did it... This could have gone very differently.
[They leave. Enzo notices Isabella on the balcony, who came to see him. Enzo smiles, understanding he did something good.]
V - VENDETTA D'ONORE
[Some time passes again. Isabella is praying in the chapel, and Enzo comes to her.]ISABELLA: Father Ciccone's not around, if you're here to confess.
ENZO: It's not him I'm looking for. Isabella... Have you told anyone? About what happened?
ISABELLA: I haven't told a soul. Why?
ENZO: Because your father has asked to see me. And I don't know what about.
ISABELLA: If I've caused you any trouble, I'm sorry.
ENZO: I'm not. I want to be with you.
ISABELLA: I want that too...
ENZO: I'll find a way. I should go.
ISABELLA: Be careful, Enzo.
ENZO: I will.
[He descends from the hillock on which the chapel is located and on the way meets the priest.]
FATHER CICCONE: God be with you, Enzo. Were you looking for me? To confess, perhaps?
ENZO: Oh, no, I was just saying a quick prayer. And I need to speak with Don Torrisi.
FATHER CICCONE: Ah, I was just with the Don. Upstairs, in his office.
ENZO: Thank you, father.
[Enzo goes to the Don, noticing Cesare along the way.]
CESARE: Hey! Must be new around here. Nobody looks like you could've stayed hidden from me.
WORKER: Please, I have work to do.
CESARE: I don't bite. What's your name?
WORKER: Angelica.
CESARE: Like an angel. I'm Cesare. They treating you right? If not, you can come to me. I'm kind of important round here. The Don, he's my uncle.
WORKER: This washing...
CESARE: Hey, hey, I'm just being friendly. What's wrong with that? We all need a friend, right?
WORKER: If I don't finish my work...
CESARE: Don't worry about that. I'll look out for you... Minchia... Enzo. What do you want?
ENZO: Where's Don Torrisi?
CESARE: He'll be upstairs, in his office. Why?
ENZO: He's asked for me.
CESARE: For you? Bedda matri, must have some shoes that needs shining.
ENZO: I'll leave you to your important work out here.
[He enters the Don's mansion itself. For the first time.]
CLEANUP INITIATIVE
2nd April, 1905
WEAPON SMUGGLERS UNDER ARREST
After months of speeches, Major Ettore D’Amico has finally shown there is substance behind his promise to crack down on crime. In the early hours of Tuesday morning, D’Amico led a raid on a farmhouse just outside of Porto Almaro.
Here, several men involved in the smuggling of weapons were apprehended. During a speech made on the steps of San Celeste Town Hall, D'Amico boasted this is ‘just one part’ of a wider cleanup initiative, precipitated by ‘a wave of crime that has left Valle Dorata feeling lawless, with unsolved murders, widespread robberies and a police force that has lost control.’
D'Amico intimated that the arrested men may have been part of a larger criminal enterprise, but refused to give further details.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Those bastards, they're still hiding in the hills. I'm sure of it. Should be out there after them.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: The Don's orders. We sit tight, for now. Trust he has a plan.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: That jumped up little sucaminchia's one thing, but Isabella? Oh, who let you in here?
ENZO: I'm looking for Don Torrisi's office.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Follow the corridor, first door on the right. And knock. You're not in the farmyard anymore.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: A carusu has business with the Don? What's next?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Hey, you save the Don's daughter, maybe you will too.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: What's he doing in here?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Got lost on the way to the shit-heap. How should I know?
[He encounters Tino smoking on the balcony.]
TINO: Nice view of the chapel from up here.
[Finally, Enzo knocks on the door of the Don's office.]
LUCA: Come in, Enzo.
DON TORRISI: I want to speak with you about my daughter. What you did for her, for our family, took courage. Luca tells me this is not the first time you've shown instinct in the face of danger. Bravery is not common in this world, Enzo. Loyalty, honor, obedience - they set a man apart from the rest. What happened at the temple was an insult to Isabella and to our reputation. You took care of Messina, but this matter is not yet resolved. Will you help me bring it to a close?
ENZO: Of course, Don Torrisi.
DON TORRISI: As you may know, Baron Fontanella has a sizable interest in the sulfur mines at Collezolfo. Sadly, the Baron's relationship with his business partner, a man named Ludovici, has soured of late. The kidnapping, that you foiled, was planned by Ludovici. He contracted those brigands to take Gennaro, as leverage, to force Fontanella to sell his holdings. I was not inclined to intervene in this dispute, despite the Baron's petition. What happens in those mines, or between third parties, that's not my concern. When Isabella became involved, however, it became our business. Now we must send a message, to all around, that Torrisi takes care of his family and his affairs. Will you do that, Enzo?
ENZO: I will.
DON TORRISI: Good.
LUCA: Let's go.
[They leave the Don's office.]
LUCA: You're to meet with Tino's men. They're on a farm near Ludovici's villa, keeping an eye on things. They can be a little rough. But first, lets get you what you need to get the job done.
VALENTINA: Samuele! If you keep stealing food I'll tell your father not to take you out with him tomorrow. Didn't I tell you to watch the stove?
LUCA: Amore mio, it was only a second. There was business to discuss.
VALENTINA: Well, your 'business' has burnt this spezzatino to the bottom of the pan. Well, hurry up.
LUCA: Careful what you say around my wife. Anyway, you ready?
ENZO: I am.
LUCA: Confidence is good, but don't let it become arrogance. Oh, Valerio! Enzo here needs to see you about a pest problem.
VALERIO: I'll be in my workshop. Send him down.
VALENTINA: Luca! No need to hold his hand, he's a big boy. Get back here.
LUCA: Minchia, this woman. She's lucky love her.
VALERIO: Just through here, it's where I keep my tools.
[They enter the wine cellar.]
VALERIO: Not just a stable boy anymore, eh?
ENZO: Something like that.
VALERIO: Well if you're here for grown man's work, I have what you need. Take a look around, choose what you like and then come and see me. The Bolt Action Rifle. Ideal for picking off vermin from a distance. You've chosen then?
ENZO: I have...
VALERIO: I suggest you go fetch a car. Never know, these pests you're after could start shooting back.
[Enzo exits the cellar.]
VILLAGER: The table's all ready for you, signora.
ISABELLA: Grazie, Constanzo. Ah, Enzo. Could you carry this crate for me?
ENZO: Of course, signorina. If I can ask, what is this for?
ISABELLA: Still life photography. But Signor Favara, you look equipped for hunting. Is that how you plan to spend your day?
ENZO: Your father was kind enough to give me an afternoon of leisure.
ISABELLA: Please, just put it down there. So he doesn't know? We're safe?
ENZO: We're safe.
ISABELLA: And the gun?
ENZO: That's nothing to worry about. Please, let's talk later? Was there anything else, signorina?
ISABELLA: No... Grazie.
ENZO: Any time.
[He goes to get the car. Cesare is fixing some car, but white smoke is also coming from it, indicating an overheated engine.]
CESARE: How'd it go with my uncle?
ENZO: Wants me to look into something for him. I need to borrow a car.
CESARE: Yeah? Well, this one's fucked. Check the garage. You should go see Pasquale if you want to fix that thing up any more.
[Taking a small car from the garage, Enzo drives to the indicated place where Tino's people, also old men, are waiting for him. It's a small, secluded spot convenient for observing the villa.]
FEDE: What do you want?
ENZO: Luca sent me.
CARLO: Luca who?
ENZO: Luca Trapani. From the vineyard.
FEDE: Idiota, get inside here.
ENZO: So what's going on?
FEDE: Take a look for yourself.
CARLO: Ludovici's not home. Looks like Spadaro loaned him a crew from the mine to watch his back.
TORRISI LOGBOOK
Tuesday
Ludovici seen late afternoon, leaving in his car. Returned home early in the evening. No further activity.
Wednesday
Spadaro’s men arrived in the morning. Ludovici didn’t leave his villa. Spadaro’s men remained all night.
Thursday No sign of Ludovici, but he hasn't left. Spadaro’s men coming and going. Shift changes.
Friday
Ludovici seen pacing his grounds. Chainsmoking. Spadaro’s men remain on site. Approx. a dozen. Ludovici left in car. First time in three days. Spadaro’s men remain.
ENZO: Merda. Where's Tino?
FEDE: Never you mind. He'll be back later. We don't do a thing until then.
CARLO: Get comfortable. Could be a long wait.
LATER
[A car drives up to the gates and honks.]
LUDOVICI: I'm waiting! Come on! A little haste, is all I ask for!
ENZO: Ludovici. He's here.
TINO: It's time then.
FEDE: We're ready. Just give the word.
TINO: The Don has entrusted this duty to the carusu so listen well, boy. Ludovici knows now the devil follows close behind. He thinks his Spadaro security will protect him. You will prove him wrong. Bring the worm, alive, to the ruins of the old castello.
ENZO: Just me, alone?
TINO: Make a mess of this and any misguided faith the Don has in you will be lost, u capisti?
CARLO: Don't be an idiota, avoid the main gate.
[Enzo carefully climbs onto the villa grounds and, hiding behind various terrain features, tries to eliminate guards as quietly as possible to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: What's this Ludovici guy do to have a place like this?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Shipping, land, I heard he even has a stake in the mine.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Our mine? That's how he knows Don Spadaro?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Right. Must have made a move against Fontanella for us to be here.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: What did this Ludovici do, anyway? For Ruggero to send this many men...
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Must have crossed someone serious. Fucked the wrong guy's wife. Who knows?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: This guy? He hasn't got it in him.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You seen inside this place?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: No, have you?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: I came with Spadaro once. Its like a palace in there. Sculptures, paintings, everything in gold. Even has a flushing toilet.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: And here I am outside, guarding the place, and I can barely afford to repair my shoes.
[Enzo infiltrates the house, which is indeed very richly furnished. There is expensive furniture and carpets everywhere.]
ENZO: Some place...
PROTECTION AGREEMENT
Dearest Massimo,
Apologies if you find my tone presumptuous. I feel like we are on first name terms now.
Bringing Torrisi into this affair was unwise in the extreme. Our man reports fury and indignation among the grape vines, you must take care.
As we agreed, I have sent a dozen men to defend your property. They will remain until this matter is resolved.
Please remember that my protection does not come for free. When Fontanella finally releases his interest in the mine, you will make a half share available to me.
Your future partner,
Ruggero Spadaro
[Enzo approaches a door from which a low female singing voice is heard, it feels like she's singing an aria from "The Nibelungs." He listens before entering and, realizing the door is locked, kicks it open. A surprised elderly man who was listening to a gramophone looks at him.]
LUDOVICI: Is this about Fontanella? You want money? Take anything.
[Enzo menacingly advances on him without stopping.]
LUDOVICI: Guards! Guards! Please...
[The old man tries to defend himself, but Enzo punches him in the stomach and then hits him in the head several times with the butt of his gun.]
ENZO: Bastaddu...
[Going out onto the balcony, Enzo realizes the guards have sniffed out that there's an intruder on the villa grounds.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We know you're up there!
ENZO: Time we left.
LUDOVICI: Help! He's going to kill me!
[While Enzo fights the guard, the old man runs away.]
ENZO: Where'd he go?!
LUDOVICI: Ahh! Get away from me!
ENZO: Stop!
LUDOVICI: He's trying to kill me!
ENZO: Get back here! Shit!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You won't get through us!
LUDOVICI: What are you waiting for?! Shoot him!
ENZO: This goes easier if you don't run!
LUDOVICI: Help! He's going to kill me!
LUDOVICI: God, no...
[Fighting his way through a dozen mobsters, Enzo finds the old man, knocks him out with a few blows to the face, and throws him over his shoulder.]
ENZO: Heavy bastard.
[Enzo carries him out the gates and drags him to the car that has already arrived.]
CARLO: Throw him in the back and get in.
[Enzo gets into the car, and they drive away.]
ENZO: Lla na mazzari...
CARLO: Get yourself together. Your work isn't done yet.
ENZO: You didn't think to come help back there?
CARLO: Didn't want to leave a nice car like this unattended. Besides, you're still alive, so quit complaining. It's him in the back who has the real problems.
[They drive up to the ruins of a castle.]
FEDE: That's him? Did you kill him?
ENZO: He's breathing, just out cold.
FEDE: Get him out of the car then. Get a move on, Carusu.
ENZO: Where am I carrying him?
FEDE: Where do you think? To meet Tino.
ENZO: And he couldn't come down here?
FEDE: Enough complaining.
[Enzo carries the unconscious old man for a while.]
TINO: Carusu, didn't think you'd have the nerve. Put him down.
LUDOVICI: What's this?
TINO: Sit up and shut your mouth. Now it's time to prove yourself, carusu. You know what must happen. If you think you can deliver it, you best show me now. Kill this rodent.
LUDOVICI: No! Don't do this!
TINO: Do it!
LUDOVICI: I don't want to die, please! God no! Please! No!
[After thinking for a bit, Enzo pulls out a pistol and shoots the old man in the head. The screen abruptly goes dark. The next day, two hunters find the body. A wad of money is stuffed in his throat, and his fingers are cut off.]
Villa Torrisi
ONE WEEK LATER
[Enzo reads a letter from his beloved Isabella.]
ISABELLA: Caro Enzo. I've thought about what you said. And my heart wants that, too. But my head tells me you put too much faith in my father. But still I dream of ways things could be different, closer between us. Tell me, what do you dream about?
[Cesare bursts into Enzo's room (which is still the same).]
CESARE: Come out here, will you? You're needed.
ENZO: What's this about?
CESARE: Come on, let's go.
ENZO: Where?
CESARE: Doesn't matter, let's go.
ENZO: You're pulling me out of bed, you can't tell me what's going on?
CESARE: Just stop talking and listen, alright?
[Enzo, perplexed, simply follows Cesare. They meet Luca in the wine cellar.]
ENZO: Luca. What is this?
LUCA: No need to look so worried. We're all friends here. You walk through this door, then you listen and answer honestly.
ENZO: Answer what?
LUCA: You want to be a part of this, yes? Of what we are.
ENZO: Yes.
LUCA: Then go inside.
[Enzo opens the heavy wooden door of the wine cellar and enters. Several people are waiting for him there.]
DON TORRISI: Come forward. All of the men in this room are bound by blood. This is a family. And in this family, we follow a code of honor. It's a way of life, a brotherhood.
DON GALANTE: You're here because of your deeds, and the assertions of those who stand at your side.
TINO: This life is one of secrecy. If you make a friend, meet a woman... They must not know about our thing.
DON TORRISI: It is binding; it is not forgiving. To betray one is to betray all. Do you wish to commit yourself, your life, to this family?
ENZO: Yes. I do.
DON TORRISI: Then, before the eyes of all here present, join me.
[Enzo approaches the Don. He takes a knife and cuts Enzo's lower lip, then brings a card with the Holy Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus and sprinkles it with Enzo's blood.]
DON TORRISI: To become a man of honor, repeat these words.
[He sets the card on fire and places it on Enzo's palm.]
DON TORRISI: I swear my loyalty to this family.
ENZO: I swear my loyalty to this family.
DON TORRISI: My flesh must burn like this saint if I do not keep my oath.
ENZO: My flesh must burn like this saint if I do not keep my oath.
DON TORRISI: Welcome, Enzo.
[He kisses him on the cheeks.]
LUCA: Benvenuto, Enzo!
CESARE: Benvenuto, Enzo!
DON GALANTE: Benvenuto, Enzo!
ENZO: Salute.
[After drinking wine, all those present exit the cellar.]
VALERIO: Used to grin from ear to ear, like some imbecile. Well, he wasn't smiling when Tino pulled the lupara. It was like he saw the devil himself.
LUCA: Part of the family now, huh? You know, when we found you in that barn, you were skin and bones... Even then, I saw a fire in you. From now on, you've got to be even smarter. Our thing is your life now. You've done well, Enzo. I'm proud of you.
ENZO: Grazie, Luca.
LUCA: Could be a long night. When they did this for me, we went through three crates... That is enough for me.
[Enzo looks up and sees Isabella. She seems displeased.]
FOUR CRATES LATER
[The guys are sitting at a table near the villa, listening to loud music on a gramophone and drinking.]
CESARE: Come on old man, we'll head into town.
LUCA: When you have a wife, children, you will understand.
LEO: You think any woman would have him?
LUCA: If he's lucky, he'll meet a girl who is deaf, dumb, and blind.
CESARE: Ach, forget about him. I think Valentina keeps his balls in a little bag by the bed. You going to drink that?
ENZO: What? Oh, no, no. Go ahead.
LEO: Woah, be careful!
CESARE: Enzo, lose the face, will you? It's a celebration. Let's get some more drinks! We should take the music with us!
LEO: If it drowns you out, sure.
CESARE: Strunzu... You fetch that for me, Leone.
[They take the gramophone and leave.]
ENZO: You have a place in mind?
CESARE: Oh, I think so. Just wait and see. He knows what I'm talking about.
LEO: Oh, I know. You know I know.
CESARE: Ha! You're a hound, Leone. A fucking hound!
LEO: So, San Celeste?
CESARE: We'll take a car.
ENZO: You're in no state to drive.
CESARE: Who said anything about me driving? Enzo, crank that car for us, will you?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Come on, let's go! Eh! You'll wake everybody.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Who's sleeping? We can all sleep tomorrow!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Idiota...
CESARE: Come on, let's get going! I need another drink. I need a woman!
ENZO: Alright, alright. Where to again?
LEO: You forgot already? San Celeste, and don't spare the horses.
CESARE: So, you're in mine boy. How does it feel?
ENZO: Good. Really good.
CESARE: Damn right, it's good. Now you can do whatever the fuck you want.
LEO: Sit down, idiota!
CESARE: Hey! Keep those dainty hands to yourself and show some respect. I'll be boss of this crew one day.
LEO: Bedda Matri. If things ever get that bad, I'm moving to Palermo.
[Some time later on the bridge...]
CESARE: Stop the car!
ENZO: What? What the problem?
CESARE: I need to piss!
LEO: Gessuzu. Didn't your uncle tell you to go before you left the house?
CESARE: Fuck you and wait.
LEO: What are you doing?!
CESARE: What? Ahhh....
LEO: Can't you just go behind a bush like everyone else?
CESARE: I'm not everyone else. And neither are you, so don't act like them. This is ours boys. This whole valley, all you can see.
ENZO: All I see is an idiot pissing in the wind. Come on, get in the car.
CESARE: You two need to think bigger. Fuck them. Our thing is our thing. You know what I mean?
LEO: Whatever you say, Don Cesare. Let's go, you sound like you need another drink. Get in before he decides to drive.
CESARE: Let's get moving. I'm thirsty.
[They continue their ride.]
CESARE: Enzo. The time will come when it'll just be me and you. Good friend, loyal. A man of honor. My right hand.
LEO: Hey! What about me?
CESARE: You? You can be my butler.
LEO: Wine! Give me wine, give me wine, give me wine! And a round of beauties!
CESARE: I like boobies!
ENZO: Bedda Matri, my fucking ears!
LEO: Give me wine, and a lovely principessa! Vino, some rosso e blanco e vina! I'll settle for a contessa!
CESARE: Hey, salute Enzo!
[They ride into the night city singing songs and playing loud music.]
LEO: Celeste, San Celeste, San Celeste, San Celeste! Put your foot on it, Enzo!
CESARE: We're nearly there amici!
TOWNSMAN: Hey, you know what time it is?
LEO: Here on the left. Pull in. We don't need the music no more.
CESARE: Ah! We're here!
LEO: Eh, eh, quiet!
CESARE: You're going to love it! Merda!
ROSARIA: Where have you been stranger?
CESARE: Rosaria, principessa! Business. A man like me has responsibilities.
LEO: Hey!
ENZO: I could do with some air.
LEO: Plenty of air inside. You... know what to do, right?
ENZO: It's not that. There's a girl.
LEO: Weren't you listening back there? Code of silence.
[He chuckles and goes to the prostitutes. Enzo drives away and sleeps in the car for a while. Cesare wakes him up.]
CESARE: What the fuck is this? Where were you? Peeping in through the window like some guardone? You don't live in a hole anymore, Enzo. You're part of the Torrisi family now. Act like it. Now, move over. Got something to show you.
ENZO: You sure you can drive?
CESARE: I drive better than you blindfolded. Besides, a good woman sobers a man up.
LEO: You were drinking like a fish in there.
CESARE: Enough! Come on, I have another surprise.
ENZO: Eyes on the road!
CESARE: Calma! We're fine. Minchia, not down here...
LEO: You know where you're going?
CESARE: I'm driving, not you! Just got to turn it around here...
LEO: Shit, I don't want to die today, Cesare.
CESARE: Here we are.
LEO: Finally.
CESARE: Come on. Pasquale said he'd meet us here with the keys.
[They drive up to a beautiful house.]
TOWNSMAN: Who's this?
TOWNSMAN: No idea.
TOWNSMAN: They live here? Don't seem the type....
PASQUALE: You boys look like you had a big night.
LEO: You could say that.
PASQUALE: I appreciate the invite.
CESARE: You know how it is. Family only.
PASQUALE: Sure. Not like I don't do enough for you all. Well, I left the keys inside. On the table.
CESARE: Should be grateful we do business with him at all.
ENZO: What is this?
CESARE: A man of honor can't still be sleeping in a pig pen, can he?
ENZO: Cesare... You fixed this for me?
CESARE: Don't thank me yet. Let me show you inside. Not bad, eh? And the whorehouse so close!
LEO: You couldn't have tidied up first?
CESARE: So, it needs a clean, so what? Go ahead Enzo, take a look around.
ENZO: There's food still out here.
LEO: These people left in the middle of breakfast?
CESARE: They had to leave in a hurry. Family emergency. Not our problem.
ENZO: What happened here? Is this blood?
CESARE: Probably ragù. It's nothing. What are you waiting for? You don't want to see your new place?
THREATENING LETTER
Carmelo,
Your mother, Evelina, with her bad hip. A son should be close at hand.
It would not be good for her to take another fall, particularly when you live so far away.
Go home to Naples, to your mother. Before you lose the chance.
Do not worry about the apartment, we will take care of it.
A concerned friend.
ENZO: There's a letter here. Addressed to Carmelo? There's someone's clothes in here.
CESARE: For you, if they fit. If not, throw them out. You haven't seen everything yet. Let me show you the bedroom. Look! A proper bed! Now you won't have to sleep with the fucking pigs anymore.
LEO: No, you can leave that to Cesare.
CESARE: Hey!
LEO: Alright. We did the tour, Enzo. I'm heading back, get some rest.
CESARE: So, what do you think?
ENZO: I don't know what to say. It's great.
CESARE: Well, you're welcome. When I met you, I thought shoveling shit was all you'd amount to.
ENZO: Right.
CESARE: No. I mean, you've done good. My uncle, me... we're lucky to have you around. And when it's my time, I won't forget that. It's going to be just me and you one day, like I said, remember?
[They hug like brothers.]
ENZO: You should go take a bath or something.
CESARE: Ha, strunzu. I'll let you sleep. See you later.
[When Cesare leaves, Enzo takes out that very postcard with the picture of Empire Bay. He carefully places it on the nightstand next to the bed.]
ENZO: Out of the mine now, amicu.
1906
VI - LA DIFESA SICILIANA
[Enzo and Cesare drive through a wooded area.]CESARE: Look at this place. The backwater of a fucking backwater. You sure this is it?
ENZO: I'm sure. We followed the river all the way down. Just like they said.
CESARE: Minchia! I can smell it already. Hey Enzo, let's turn around, huh? I'm gonna be sick if I go down there...
ENZO: Not a chance. I told you to take it easy last night. And I'm not getting an your uncle's bad side with the mood he's in lately.
CESARE: He's been like that since Spadaro bought Ludovici's share of the mine.
ENZO: What does he care about that?
CESARE: Spadaro gaining power and money upsets the balance. Makes it harder to keep them in check. And my uncle never saw it coming.
WORKER: Another one?
WORKER: Never seen it so busy. Wonder what it's all about.
CESARE: Hey, that's Don Galante's car. Why's he risking his Venetian loafers way our here?
[They arrive at a small villa and approach the house where they are expected.]
LEO: Gentlemen. Fashionably late, as always. Guessing that's not your doing, Enzo.
CESARE: I don't need you breaking my balls today.
LEO: You're right I'll leave that to your uncle You're the last ones here.
ENZO: You know what's going on, Leo?
LEO: I have some idea.
CESARE: And?
LEO: Just wait.
CESARE: Hey Angelo, you want to let us know what's going on?
ANGELO: If you'd got here on time, you'd know already.
CESARE: What was that? What were you doing?
[Enzo enters first. He is greeted by several men, as well as Don Galante and Don Torrisi themselves.]
CESARE: Oh, looks like every bafu in the valley got an invite.
ENZO: So, what are we doing here?
[The assembled men gather around the Dons.]
DON TORRISI: Since Spadaro took over that mine, he's been busy. Turning guardie, leaning on the unions, buying votes. Nibbling away like a rat. This cannot be left unanswered.
DON GALANTE: Tensions are building, it's true. But war... war must be avoided at all costs. Which brings us to a plan. Something between our two families. Something for our future. It's taken preparation and a lot of buona fortuna but now... now it's coming to fruition. Every week ships arrive from America. Every week they go back. That is a direct line to Empire Bay which we have yet to take advantage of. If we do, we can match Spadaro, and have the strength to match him lira for lira...
DON TORRISI: Or bullet for bullet.
LUCA: We already export wine to the mainland. Why not America?
DON GALANTE: Good question. But our friends in the new world have particular tastes. This way. Venite.
[They proceed to a secret room.]
LUCA: What is this?
DON GALANTE: A government currency press. Officially, it was destroyed during the unrest in the East African colony, but unlike the governor, this made it out.
CESARE: You want to print cash? For the Americans?
DON TORRISI: When opportunities arise, you seize them.
DON GALANTE: There's too many eyes and police over there in America. An operation like this would be shut down before it even started. No, our dollars will come from outside. Controlled shipments, ΠΟ suspicion. And in return, the American market opens up to us.
LUCA: Maybe they can't trace them to a local outfit, but would they be good enough?
DON GALANTE: We have enlisted the finest counterfeiter in all of Italy to engrave our printing plates.
DON TORRISI: A Sicilian, but he's been all over. His work has never been detected.
DON GALANTE: His ship came in from Napoli, but he got into an altercation in Porto Almaro. Our man in San Celeste Town Hall tells me he's being held there, by the guardie. We need to free him, before those idioti work out who they really have.
DON TORRISI: Leone, you know the particulars. Take these two, and get it done.
[Leo and Enzo step aside.]
LEO: Alright, let's go.
CESARE: They expect us to break this forger out of the guardie station, just like that?
LEO: We can't leave him there. If they figure out who he is, this whole plan is finished. We have to improvise.
ENZO: Improvise our way through a building full of fucking police?
CESARE: It's risky, Leo. Too risky. We've got to find another forger.
LEO: You want to tell your uncle that? It took months to get this man to Sicily. He's wanted in every city in the country.
ENZO: So what's the plan, Leo? What are these 'particulars'?
LEO: Our man at the town hall is the key. He'll know exactly where the forger's being held. He's waiting for us in the main square in San Celeste. You're going to meet him, Enzo.
CESARE: I'll go. Enzo doesn't know the mal di denti.
LEO: The gaurdie know you. Nobody knows Enzo. He goes.
ENZO: Fine. I'll go. What's our man called?
LEO: We don't know and we won't ask. It's better that way.
ENZO: How do we know who he is?
CESARE: The mal di denti.
ENZO: The what?
CESARE: Don't you know anything? This forger. He got a name?
LEO: Giuseppe Palminteri. Supposed to be the best.
CESARE: Not the best at staying out of jail.
LEO: He got unlucky. Can happen to anybody. You know that.
CESARE: He's going to wish we'd left him in jail when he sees that place. Why did they choose it? That stench!
LEO: Isn't it obvious?
CESARE: Would I ask if it was obvious? Answer me straight for once.
LEO: It's because it stinks. No-one goes there if they don't have to. No bandits, no guardie, nobody. It's perfect.
CESARE: Yeah, a real pezzu di paradisu.
ENZO: So, come on, what's this 'mal di denti'?
CESARE: It's a kind of greeting. It's simple. You walk up and you point to your teeth-
LEO: You point to your incisors.
CESARE: What the fuck are 'incisors'?
LEO: Were you this stupid when we met? They're teeth.
CESARE: I already said 'teeth'. So you point to your teeth and say "Oh! This tooth is killing me!" And he'll point to his and say...
LEO: "This tooth is killing me, too."
CESARE: That's it. Got it?
ENZO: Got it. But... why?
LEO: If you know the mal di denti, you're one of us.
CESARE: If you don't, you're just another strunzu.
LEO: We've got all kinds of things like this, from way back.
CESARE: It's one of the old ways, but it works. Lets you know you re dealing with the right people.
ENZO: Alright but I can't do that to everybody in the square like some pazziu.
LEO: You don't need to. Our contact will be wearing a red waistcoat.
CESARE: The circus in town or something?
LEO: It's disitinctive, which is good for us. You won't be able to miss him.
ENZO: So I get the information about the forger then what?
LEO: Then we work out out next move.
CESARE: This has straight to jail written all over it.
ENZO: I can handle the guardie of San Celeste.
LEO: Don't get complacent. Their new chief's a crusader. Cleared out a a lot of deadwood. He's no fool.
CESARE: This keeps getting better.
LEO: Hey, you see that new sign for the Targa? In the square?
ENZO: The motor race?
CESARE: Yeah. It's going to be big. I read that there are teams from France... even America.
LEO: I don't believe that.
CESARE: Prize money like that brings a lot of interest.
LEO: No. I don't believe you can read.
CESARE: Minchiuni.
CESARE: This is you, Enzo.
[The car stops in San Celeste.]
LEO: Remember our contact is wearing a red waistcoat.
ENZO: And my tooth is killing me. I got it.
LEO: Don't got caught. Meet us at the cafe when you're done.
[They drive away, and Enzo goes to the square.]
TOWNSMAN: That's four in two months.
TOWNSMAN: His best too. Fine animals.
TOWNSMAN: He's taken to sleeping out there with his rifle.
TOWNSMAN: Idiota. He could lose more than a few horses. Hills are full of cutthroats.
[Enzo accidentally meets Isabella in a white dress.]
ENZO: Isabella...
ISABELLA: Look who I bumped into.
VALENTINA: Enzo. Quite the coincidence. I'm sure you have things to be doing. Come, Isabella.
[She has to leave, although she doesn't want to. Enzo enjoys every glance at her. They go to the market located right on the square, where Enzo himself also needs to go.]
ENZO: Alright, looking for a man in a red waistcoat...
[While he searches, pretending to be a scout, the girls are busy with their favorite activity - buying clothes.]
VALENTINA: Your father doesn't care for it.
ISABELLA: Everybody else loves it.
VALENTINA: You love it.
ISABELLA: Not just me, Valentina.
VALENTINA: They'll be sold out by now anyway.
ISABELLA: So we can look?
VALENTINA: We can look.
WORKER: Latest on the strange death of Girolamo Lugovici! Autorities still won't speak!
[Meanwhile, Enzo finds a man in a red vest...]
ENZO: Ah! I have such a pain in this tooth!
MAN: Huh?! Oh. Mine too! Mine... It's killing me.
ENZO: Which tooth?
MAN: Why?! My teeth aren't... Well, they're none of your business! Don't... Don't what... to- Don't tell me what to do!
ENZO: Definitely not the man I'm looking for...
MAN: What's he... Know about my teeth... Should worry about his own...
GUARDIA: Captain says there was a mistake on that report you filed can't be used. Just get a new one written, and have it on my desk by tomorrow morning.
[Enzo approaches the next man dressed in a red vest.]
ENZO: Ah! This tooth is really killing me!
MAN 2: Signore, what do you want? Why are you telling me this? Leave me be.
ENZO: Scusassi, signore. Not him, must be someone else.
TOWNSWOMAN: To think of something like that coming here. Extraordinary.
TARGA PAMPHLET
TARGA SIRAGUSA
The motoring elite arrive in Sicily!
A great prize for the winners!
3rd October 1906
The Valle Dorata’s very first motor race! Race to begin at one o'clock.
Join us at the starting line to cheer on your favorites!
Brought to you by Marquis Siragusa
VELOCITA INTERVIEW
Exclusive Interview with Marquis Siragusa!
Targa organizer gives his thoughts on the upcoming race.
Interviewer: Marquis Siragusa, we are delighted that you chose to host the Targa Siragusa in our beautiful Valle Dorata. Is this your first time here?
Siragusa: Yes, only arrived yesterday. From what I've seen so far, I can certainly say that the valley has rustic charm, and at least the roads are serviceable.
Interviewer: Why did you choose the Valle Dorata for the race?
Siragusa: After many requests from my dear friend Raffaele Fontanella, whom I trusted as a fellow motoring enthusiast and a member of my club. He really was very persistent. Despite all that, I'm happy to bring a little excitement to this humble corner of Sicily.
Interviewer: Do you have a favorite for the race?
Siragusa: It would be wrong of me to endorse a singular driver, you understand. Though I will say Girolamo Restivo has had a very successful year, and I do believe he is one to watch.
TOWNSMAN: Pippo said they're putting on services from Palerino every ten minutes all day.
TOWNSWOMAN: Are they expecting so many?
TOWNSMAN: Oh yes.
[Enzo decides to ask a local merchant.]
ENZO: Ciao. Have you seen a man in a red waistcoat?
VENDOR: Why, is he in trouble?
ENZO: No, he's a friend.
VENDOR: Are you talking about Onofrio? Drinks more of his wine than he sells. His stall is over there, if he hasn't passed out already.
ENZO: Just need to find the man in the red waistcoat. No, not him. Thank you, though.
[He meets an acquaintance.]
ENZO: Flavio. How are things?
FLAVIO: Not too bad, the new tenant down the hall keeps me busy. I had a look at your door yesterday, but I'll need to get a new lock for it.
ENZO: How long will it take?
FLAVIO: About a week. That alright?
ENZO: Not a problem. I need to get going, but thank you for your help.
FLAVIO: Any time. Ciao, Enzo.
ENZO: Scusassi, I'm looking for my friend, have you seen him? He's wearing a red waistcoat.
VENDOR: Red waistcoat? No, I've been busy with customers. Now, are you going to buy anything?
ENZO: No, not today.
VENDOR: Time waster...
[The search continues...]
ENZO: Red waistcoat...
VENDOR: You're Don Torrisi's rider, aren't you? Please, take whatever you like, with my compliments. And... pass on my regards to your patron?
ENZO: Oh. Grazie. I will. While I'm here, have you seen a man in a red waistcoat?
VENDOR: Now that you mention it, I have. That man over there. He's been up and down the stalls all day.
ENZO: Ah, that's not who I'm looking for. Thank you anyway.
[Having already lost hope, Enzo approaches the last man in a red vest at the market.]
ENZO: Ah! This tooth is killing me.
MAN 3: This tooth is killing me too.
ENZO: The man I've been looking for. You can help me find someone. In the guardie station.
THE INFORMANT: You're not wrong.
ENZO: So, what do you know? This is important to Don Torrisi.
THE INFORMANT: Come with me.
VALENTINA: I think that's almost all of it. Now what did you say you needed?
ISABELLA: A new hairpin. I broke my favorite one.
VALENTINA: Mamma mia, Isabella. How did you manage that?
[They go to the police building.]
GUARDIA: Ciao, Antonio. I didn't know you were working today.
THE INFORMANT: Me neither should be at home but do get any thanks?
GUARDIA: Hah! Not in this life.
[They enter the police station, and Enzo notices an important man in a uniform nearby who is talking to someone.]
GUARDIA:...is just the first step, Captain. We still need a way for the wires to go over the-
THE INFORMANT: Wait! Over there. That's the Captain. Careful around him. He's not like the rest of them. Follow my lead when we get inside.
ENZO: Of course.
[They need to pretend to hide the true purpose of Enzo's visit. As they walk around, dozens of policemen are bustling about, busy with their own affairs, and they don't have time to interrogate Enzo in detail.]
GUARDIA: Captain, my duties don't include... I'll see to it, signore.
THE INFORMANT: I'll try to find the ledger for you, signore, but it might take a while. We're in something of a mess.
ENZO: Right. Yes. The ledger.
CLERK: I don't know anything about that. Would you please take a seat? I can't work with you standing over me like that.
CUSTOMER: There's nothing to talk about. I've made my decision.
CUSTOMER: Camillo, please. I don't want you to make a mistake.
GUARDIA: I finished going through it. Where should it be stored?
GUARDIA: How many times do I need to tell you? If you've logged the evidence, it needs to go in a safe.
GUARDIA: Sorry, Lieutenant. I'll get right on it.
THE INFORMANT: They're keeping the prisoners down there, in the old cellar.
ENZO: Our man is in there?
THE INFORMANT: He was this morning.
ENZO: Guards?
THE INFORMANT: Inside? Two. Outside? (whistles)
ENZO: What about at night?
THE INFORMANT: Well, must be fewer than now... You should go now. Before we're noticed.
[Enzo leaves to meet Leo and Cesare and tell them what he found out.]
WORKER: Come on, I didn't do anything!
GUARDIA: Enough! Keep walking.
GUARDIA: Chief said to close the Ludovici file.
GUARDIA: What? Already?
GUARDIA: "Already"? Don't you think we've wasted enough time on it? We have nothing. It's cold.
GUARDIA: Is he talking yet?
GUARDIA: Still denies everything. Can't keep him in much longer, not after Grimaldi withdrew his statement.
GUARDIA: I bet that was the work of his brother. There must be something we can do?
GUARDIA: Not without that statement. Bastaddo will be walking free by the end of the week.
[Enzo exits the police station where Isabella is waiting for him.]
ISABELLA: Enzo, can we talk?
ENZO: Where's Valentina?
ISABELLA: She should be a little while. I've asked her to find me a new hairpin. Useful little things but mine have a habit of breaking. I've missed you. We've hardly seen each other since you left the vineyard.
ENZO: I know. I've tried to get away from the others, but I've been busy with work!
ISABELLA: So busy you haven't even invited me to your apartment yet. Your own place... You must be doing something right.
ENZO: I told you I would make a good impression on your father. Maybe soon, we won't have to hide.
ISABELLA: It would be nice to believe that. For now, I'd settle for an invite.
ENZO: I want you to see it, if I ever get some time alone, but...
ISABELLA: You keep me waiting like this, and I'll have to take matters into hands. You'd better go, your friends are waiting for you. See you later, Enzo.
[He leaves and hears Valentina returning.]
VALENTINA: There you are, I was looking everywhere.
ISABELLA: I didn't mean to worry you. Did you find a hairpin?
[Approaching the café where the meeting is set, Enzo hears the voices of his friends.]
CESARE: Think he did it right? The mal di denti?
LEO: Hopefully went better than your first time.
CESARE: That guy punched me for no reason.
LEO: You told him his teeth were fucked up.
[Enzo approaches closer. Cesare and Leo are sitting in the café. Enzo sits down next to them.]
CAFE MENU
Osteria della Zagara
Delicious food in the heart of the Piazza Garibaldi
Antipasti Prosciutto crudo..................2 lire
Olives.......... 1.20 lire
Caprese Salad...................5 lire
Fritto Misto...................5.60 lire
Mushroom Arancini..............5 lire
Mains Pasta alla Norma ..............5 lire
Pasta con le Sarde..............5.30 lire
Spaghetti ai ricci di mare.......6 lire
Parmigiana di melanzane.....4.50 lire
Caponata..... 4 lire
Dessert Cassate......3 lire
Pistachio Cannoii....1.60 lire
Lemon Cannoii.......1.60 lire
Wine
Glass / Bottle
Torrisi 1890..............2.50 lire......8 lire
Torrisi 1902....................2 lire......6 lire
Conticello White....2.20 lire......7 lire
CESARE: Enzo, how did it go?
ENZO: You my boss now?
CESARE: One day. Better watch that lip.
LEO: So, we're going to go over this again so there are no fuck-ups.
CESARE: As if there would be.
LEO: Hey, there's six months' work on the line here. You want to end up in jail? On the wrong side of your uncle?
CESARE: Alright. Let's hear it.
LEO: Me and my guys have a distraction all lined up. It'll draw D'Amico and plenty of guardie out of there.
ENZO: How do you know it's going to work?
LEO: Because, I take things seriously. You won't miss it, trust me. Once they leave, Enzo goes in, gets our man out. Do it quietly. We don't need complications.
ENZO: Yeah, right.
LEO: I'll be waiting with a car. Cesare, you keep an eye on him from outside. Any danger you raise the alarm. If things take a turn, do what you have to do.
[He hands Enzo a handkerchief.]
CESARE: The fuck is this?
LEO: What did I say? Enough fooling around.
CESARE: Alright...
LEO: You've fucked half this town and conned most of the others. You can't be seen! And unless Enzo wants a twenty year trip to Ucciardone, neither can he.
ENZO: We won't be, we'll be careful.
LEO: Be smart, will you?
ENZO: Come on, better look over the exits again.
[They get up from the table.]
MIDNIGHT
[Cesare and Enzo, with bandanas over their faces, approach the police station. An agitated policeman runs up to the guard at the door.]
OFFICER: Guardie! The Messina gang. They've struck again! The Messina gang! Presto!
CESARE: This must be it.
ENZO: Let's go.
[The policemen drive away to the sound of a bell signaling an alarm.]
CESARE: This must be it.
ENZO: Let's go.
CESARE: That took care of most of them. Alright. Good luck, Enzo.
[They quietly sneak towards the entrance of the police station.]
GUARDIA: Vita! What are you doing out here? What the Hell was all that noise?
GUARDIA: Bandit attack. They're saying it's Messina.
GUARDIA: Minchia! That old fox has balls, I'll give him that.
GUARDIA: He'll need them. Chief is spoiling for a fight. Took half the men.
GUARDIA: How many times have you been sent here?
GUARDIA: To Sicily? Three. Once in Palermo. Twice here. And relax! You're making me nervous!
GUARDIA: Sorry. Sorry.
GUARDIA: Nobody is going to attack us. Certainly not some damn bandits.
GUARDIA: Have you faced any? Bandits, I mean...
GUARDIA: A long time ago. And a long way from here, so no need to be so twitchy.
GUARDIA: I'm just keeping an eye on the compound.
GUARDIA: You don't need to act tough with me. I was as nervous as you when I first got assigned to this shithole.
[Enzo carefully circles the building where there is the least guard presence and knocks out or distracts those he encounters.]
GUARDIA: D'Amico won't let you near the trucks again once he hears about your little accident.
GUARDIA: Good thing he won't hear about it then. Will he? Geraci will fix it before he gets back.
GUARDIA: Better hope Messina puts up a fight then.
GUARDIA: So, what's your take on the guy with the plates? Think someone's printing here, in the valley?
GUARDIA: If you ask me, we were just a stop on his way to somewhere bigger.
GUARDIA: Didn't expect to be checked. Shows confidence. He's a professional, alright.
GUARDIA: Can't 'just fix it', can I? Can't 'just fix it' if it's stripped bare.
[Finally, Enzo finds where the station's jail is located.]
PRISONER: Figgh'i jarrusa! Get the Captain down here.
GUARDIA: Shut up!
PRISONER: Don't you know who I am?!
GUARDIA: I said shut up!
PRISONER: Hey!
GUARDIA: I told you to shut up. Lla na mazzari!
[Enzo sneaks up on him and puts him on the floor with a chokehold.]
PRISONER: Bedda matri! What have you done?! That was a guardia!
ENZO: Giuseppe?
GIUSEPPE: Over here.
ENZO: Let's get you out of there.
GIUSEPPE: Grazie. Let's go. You have my plates?
ENZO: Plates?
GIUSEPPE: Printing plates. For the press.
ENZO: Nobody told me about any plates.
GIUSEPPE: In my bag. Taken when I was arrested.
[In the same jail, Enzo meets an unexpected acquaintance.]
L'OMBRA: Let me out too, boy.
ENZO: You look fine right where you are.
L'OMBRA: Huh. I know you? Feels like you know me.
GIUSEPPE: Leave him. Let's get out of here. Now!
L'OMBRA: I'll be out soon enough. Maybe I'll come pay you and Giuseppe a visit.
ENZO: Stay here until I get back. Understood?
GIUSEPPE: As you wish. Good luck.
[Enzo goes in search of the press plates.]
EMPLOYEE MEMO
06.05.1906
URGENT REMINDER
Collection and inspection will take place this Friday morning. Our colleagues from Naples will be arriving at eight sharp.
It is your responsibility to ensure all evidence due to be collected is secured in the new safes, as per previous instruction.
I hope we have all learned since the last inspection that sensitive information should not be left out on desks, or in common areas. This is why our filing system exists.
Another inspection failure will be taken extremely seriously.
If you have any questions about the logging of evidence or the handling of files, see me directly.
Major D’Amico
ARREST RECORD - UNKNOWN MALE
Corpo Reale di Polizia - Valle Dorata Arrest Record
Date of Arrest: 06.05.1906
Name: Unknown
Age: Unknown - perhaps in his 30s
Sex: Male
Height: 179 cm
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Offense: Possession of counterfeiting materials. Refusal to comply with the arresting officer. The offender was apprehended at the Porto Almaro docks at eight o'clock in the evening by officer Amelio Barresi. He was traveling alone from Napoli. When performing routine searches, he was pulled aside to have his case checked. When he refused, suspicions were raised and he became increasingly aggressive. Another officer, Liborio Fresta, managed to deescalate the situation.
When the case was inspected, they discovered printing plates amongst his belongings. The plates (which have been manufactured to print dollars), have been logged and secured in a safe, pending collection this week.
GUARDIA: You look like you're still half asleep, Davino! Sharpen up or you'll be sorry.
GUARDIA: Sì, Caporale!
GUARDIA: I don't care how you did things in Sardinia. In this unit you will toe the line or you will deal with me. Do I make myself clear?
GUARDIA: Sì, Caporale!
GUARDIA: Present yourself to me after watch with a clean weapon and a better attitude or your night will get a lot worse, I promise you that.
GUARDIA: Si, Caporale!
D’AMICO'S OBSERVATIONS Main persons of interest:
Ruggero Spadaro - Guards at the mine have been involved in several crimes across the valley. Spadaro himself only implicated once by name, the informant was never heard from again. Did the sect get rid of him?
Santo Di Gristina - Took over his farm from Signor Fazio. Fazio claims Santo was threatening and stealing from him, but the money was never found.
Vincenzo Lorenzetti - Investigations on him drew nothing - perhaps an associate, not deeply involved?
Leone Galante - Knows everyone, likes to gamble. Officers at the docks have smuggling suspicions. Often seen with Luca Trapani - works for Bernardo Torrisi. Deliveries or something more?
Officer Calzaghe - Reports from the impound yard point to illegal activities. Too many thefts on his watch. Look into his background.
Bernardo Torrisi - Wealth beyond his vineyard. Well-known as a strike breaker in the 1890s. Clean record, unlike his friend Agostino. Not a single person has anything to say about him.
Ludovici case - Murder? Sending a message. Who was involved? Has connections with Baron Fontanella and Ruggero Spadaro. Nothing concrete to point to them.
ARREST RECORD - CORRADO BASTONI
Corpo Reale di Polizia - Valle Dorata Arrest Record
Date of Arrest: 02.05.1906
Name: Corrado Bastoni
Age: 27
Sex: Male
Height: 183 cm
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Offense: Attempted theft, assault. Bastoni was arrested at four in the afternoon at the Grimaldi Antique shop after the owner Alcei Grimaldi called for help in the piazza. According to Grimaldi, Bastoni was caught pocketing a watch, worth eighty lire, by Grimaldi’s son, Riccardo, who confronted him.
Bastoni became aggressive and started to fight Riccardo, leaving his face bloodied and swollen. Officers found Bastoni assaulting Riccardo inside the shop, where they separated the men and arrested Bastoni.
ARREST RECORD - ENNIO SALIERI
Corpo Reale di Polizia - Valle Dorata Arrest Record
Date of Arrest: 11.07.1905
Name: Ennio Salieri
Age: 21
Sex: Male
Height: 181 cm
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown
Offense: Detained on the Palermo road in possession of untaxed American whiskey, concealed in grain sacks. Claims to have purchased the contraband in good faith from an unnamed fellow on the side of the road.
Released after a visit from his lawyer, one Sig. Colletti, who arrived unexpectedly and accused the chief of depriving Salieri of his right to counsel.
Remarks: Salieri is regularly seen visiting with known smugglers in Porto Almaro (Galante, Vinci, et al.), and is suspected of criminal conspiracy.
AUTHORIZATION REQUEST
Dear Colonel de Rossi,
I am concerned by your recent letter denying further resources for my investigation into a suspected criminal cult in the Valle Dorata.
If your refusal has anything to do with my capabilities, or lack of evidence, rest assured that I am gathering critical, damning information and I am fully prepared to assign a team to further investigate.
I have uncovered connections between criminals in the valley, in neighboring towns, cities and even abroad. The scale of the conspiracy is worse than many suspect.
I will prove my suspicions in court, providing the judges ever bring my cases to trial.
If you had witnessed some of the horrific scenes I've been called to, you would know this sect is a very real threat. The Ludovici case is just one example.
I urge you to reconsider, before control is lost to these scoundrels.
Major D’Amico
MONTHLY REMINDERS
Key Actions - May Combination changed - 02-19-62
Inspection and collection - 9th May Print and hand out employee memos.
Dinner with Major Grasso - 10th May Arrange a gift for the Naples garrison - Torrisi wine?
Inspection review - 13th May Dismiss Marino end of day if no improvement.
Meeting with Mayor Chiavetta - 19th May Remember notes on the sect.
San Celeste residents’ meeting - 25th May
[Opening the captain's safe, Enzo takes the plates and hears the raised alarm. He has been discovered.]
GUARDIA: Shit! Check the Captain's office!
GUARDIA: How did they get inside?!
GUARDIA: There's an intruder! Search everywhere!
[Enzo fights his way outside.]
CESARE: So much for doing this quietly! My uncle's going to kill us!
ENZO: Not if we're behind bars, he won't!
CESARE: He'll find a way, trust me. That must be our guy! We need to get this done, now!
GIUSEPPE: Cristo... What took you so long?!
CESARE: Merda! There's more of them!
GIUSEPPE: What are you doing?! They're still out there!
CESARE: They just don't stop!
ENZO: It's almost like it's their job! Giuseppe! We need to move!
GIUSEPPE: Did you get my plates?
ENZO: Yes, come on! Get to the car!
[Having gotten over the fence, Enzo realizes that a chase is unavoidable.]
ENZO: Go. Get out of here!
[Enzo himself locks the gates with a large beam that was standing nearby... but when he turns around, D'Amico himself is already pointing a pistol at him. He is a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a mustache, in a military uniform that speaks of extensive combat experience.]
MAJOR D'AMICO: Stop. Turn around. Slowly.
[Enzo knocks the pistol out of D'Amico's hands, and he pulls out a knife.]
MAJOR D'AMICO: You've made a grave mistake here, boy.
MAJOR D'AMICO: I'll get that mask off, then I'll have all I need to know.
ENZO: Need to get to it first.
MAJOR D'AMICO: Too easy! The bravado, the swagger. I've seen it a thousand times. Doesn't last in jail, let me tell you.
[However, Enzo manages to wound the combat officer several times.]
MAJOR D'AMICO: No! That's it?! You're too slow! Masking your face. Hiding in the shadows like a rat. You men are a plague. You have no honor. No creed. You're no match for a real soldier.
[D'Amico overpowers Enzo, approaches him, and is about to slit his throat when suddenly Leo and Cesare's car pulls up. They point their pistols at D'Amico, and he retreats with his hands raised.]
LEO: You have them? (Enzo nods) Then let's get out of here.
[They drive away, leaving D'Amico bewildered.]
ENZO: Minchia... What now?
LEO: Now we get you home, and you lay low.
CESARE: What about us?!
LEO: We take Giuseppe to the tannery and keep him out of sight.
CESARE: The tannery? We'll be lucky to make it out of town!
LEO: I make my own luck, you know that. Just stick to the plan and we'll get out of this. We need to go. Get inside, Enzo, and keep your head down, alright?
[They drop Enzo off at his villa, and he, walking away, still hears their voices as they drive off.]
GIUSEPPE: Did you say tannery? I was promised a hotel....
CESARE: Ach, you'll love it. It's like a hotel, just... worse. In every way you can think of.
[Approaching the house, he hears someone's shout and pulls out his pistol, preparing for the worst.]
ENZO: What was that? Minchia...
[The door to his room is open with a hairpin. After inspecting the room, he sees Isabella and exhales.]
ISABELLA: A little color in here wouldn't hurt, don't you think? Got tired of waiting for an invitation.
ENZO: Oh, you took matters into your own hands?
ISABELLA: Sometimes you need to reach out and take something. If you want it.
ENZO: You know what happens if someone sees you here.
ISABELLA: And yet here I am.
[They kiss passionately. Enzo takes her hands.]
ENZO: You're taking a risk. You know what I am.
ISABELLA: And I know who you are. Even if you don't. You're not like the others. All my life, I've been alone. Waiting for something to change, for somebody who could make the world different. For that I'd risk everything. I've told you what I want, Enzo. Now it's your turn.
[He kisses Isabella passionately again, and this time it's not limited to just a kiss. Some time passes, possibly quite a long time. The Torrisi family has already set up a pipeline for supplying wine with counterfeit 50 US dollar bills.]
VII - SPIRITO SPORTIVO
[Enzo and Cesare arrive in a truck loaded with wine and counterfeit bills at the port where Leo is already waiting for them.]LEO: Gentlemen! You're a lot easier on the eyes when I know you come bearing gifts. Production's really moving, eh?
CESARE: Everything's golden. The system works. It's hidden, quiet, nobody goes near the place. It's like it isn't even there.
LEO: Beautiful. And long may that continue.
ENZO: And your side of things?
LEO: So far, like clockwork. From here to Empire Bay, we have someone at every link in the chain. And what we've started getting in return? And what we've started getting in return? Oof!
[He signals the loaders to unload the crates.]
LEO: Picciotti, vai! (to Enzo and Cesare) Follow me.
ENZO: They sent all this?
LEO: That's not even the half of it.
CESARE: Madone...
[He takes out a beautiful and probably very powerful rifle.]
LEO: 'Made in America'! There's more.
ENZO: Oh, minchiuni!
LEO: Here, try these.
[He tosses him a carton of Big Break cigarettes with a girl on each pack.]
ENZO: Empire Bay are really holding up their end, huh?
LEO: Should hope so. We're sending them enough. This is just the start. There are mountains of cash for us to make here. And some fun to be had, too. Come take a look at something. Hey, andiamo! Come on.
[They approach three posters advertising the Targa Siragusa race.]
LEO: See that? That prize money's going to be ours.
CESARE: You get kicked in the head? That's the Targa Siragusa. We can't win it. We can't even enter.
LEO: I'll get us into that race.
ENZO: How?
CESARE: No chance. What are we going to drive, anyway? The delivery truck?
LEO: I was thinking we could drive... that.
[A car towing a stylish race car on a flexible hitch drives up to them.]
CESARE: Bedda Matri! That's a Carozella! Where did you get this?!
LEO: It's like I said, our American friends have been making connections for us.
CESARE: Wait...
CESARE: With who? A firing squad? These are bullet holes, Leo!
LEO: Have some vision! So it needs work. Nothing Pasquale can't handle.
CESARE: Pasquale? Maybe. Maybe. Still doesn't get us into the race.
LEO: First, let's drop the car off then we can see about getting ourselves into the Targa.
CESARE: I'll drive the Carozella!
LEO: Go ahead. Even you can't crash a car with no engine.
CESARE: What do you know about driving, Leo?
LEO: I know nobody's safe when you do it.
[Enzo gets behind the wheel of the car towing the race car.]
LEO: We're heading to Pasquale's new place. I'll show you the way.
CESARE: Hey Enzo! Take a easy! This thing is about to all apart!
LEO: If it shut him up. I wouldn't even mind.
ENZO: This new place, it's the gasoline stand I've been hearing about?
LEO: Gasoline station, but yeah. An initiative between the families.
ENZO: What do we want with something like that?
LEO: Money. Pumped gas is the future and we've got the only pump this side of Palermo. You want gas, you're coming to us.
ENZO: Right.
LEO: And that goes for every driver in the race, too.
ENZO: Right.
LEO: Makes you think. What if, on race day, Pasquale makes a mistake?
ENZO: A mistake?
LEO: Yeah. What if he - I don't know - fills some gas tanks with water?
ENZO: Couldn't hurt our chances.
[A race car zooms past them at twice their speed.]
ENZO: Mizzica, he's fast! How are we going to win against drivers like that?
LEO: Being fast isn't everything.
ENZO: It's a race, Leo.
LEO: It's an endurance race. You need to be fast and avoid trouble. Crashes... Breakdowns... Mistakes... A lot can happen. Especially to the other teams. It's just up here, Enzo. On the left.
ENZO: I see it.
CESARE: Enzo, slow down. The yard is up ahead. On the left.
ENZO: Grazie! Here we are. All good back there?
CESARE: No thanks to you! I don't know how you can complain about my driving.
PASQUALE: Was starting to think you wouldn't show up.
CESARE: Brought you a little gift.
PASQUALE: You said a few scratches, Leone. Looks like it's been used for target practice.
CESARE: I knew he couldn't handle it. It's a Carozella, not a horse-cart.
PASQUALE: Insolente. If it's a machine, I can fix it.
LEO: Have faith, amicu. Leave him to it. We have things to discuss.
ENZO: How do we get an entry into this thing? Can't win a race we're not in.
LEO: I have a plan, but I'll need some help. Enzo, can you meet me in San Celeste tonight?
ENZO: I can be there. What do you need from me?
LEO: All in good time. Just make sure you bring your camera.
QUALIFICATION
[In the evening, Leo and Enzo are waiting for someone in the night city. A car appears in the distance.]
LEO: It's time. This is him.
ENZO: So who is that?
LEO: Marquis Siragusa.
ENZO: Siragusa? Like Targa Siragusa?
LEO: That's the one. He organized it. Chose the course. Even put up the prize money.
ENZO: Right. So we're getting a photograph of him with the girls?
LEO: A man like him - a family man, church benefactor - will do anything to keep a photo like that from getting out.
ENZO: Like giving up a spot in the race.
LEO: Among other things. You just need a vantage point with a view of the action.
[They approach a prostitute in a blue dress with a beige shawl draped over her shoulders.]
CONCETTA: You're late, Leone.
LEO: Concetta! You're as beautiful as always. Who are they?
CONCETTA: Don't know but they're not here for fun.
ENZO: Bodyguards?
LEO: Must be. How many?
CONCETTA: Four. Two got here an hour ago. The other two, up there, arrived with your friend.
LEO: Which room is he in?
CONCETTA: That one.
LEO: Hm. Enzo, you'll need to go through that passage over there to get up to the vantage point. Find a way past these men, either up the stairs on the left or through the courtyard. I'll help if I can.
[While Enzo tries to approach the gate from the other side, Leo distracts the guard.]
LEO: My friend! My friend! How would you like a whole carton of American cigarettes? I could do you a great price.
SECURITY: No.
LEO: Come on. You can see the quality. I'm an honest man.
SECURITY: You're selling tobacco through the gate at a brothel.
[Enzo chokes the guard, and he loses consciousness.]
LEO: Good, now get a move on.
[Enzo continues to search for a way onto the roof.]
PROSTITUTE: You're here with Leo?
ENZO: How did you know?
PROSTITUTE: You're not one of them. Head upstairs.
ENZO: Grazie.
CONCETTA: You can get a good view of him from the balcony.
ALFREDO'S LOVE LETTER
My darling Rosaria,
You're the best I’ve ever had.
I'd marry you in a heartbeat,
But the Lord will not allow it.
Our love is reserved for Saturday nights
And Thursdays, after Mass,
When my wife visits her sister.
Yours forever,
Alfredo
P.S. Next time, make sure Angelica is also free. Not Lolita though.
She can deny it all she likes, but my wallet was lighter!
ENZO: Perfetto.
[He comes out onto a balcony from where the Marquis can be heard.]
THE MARQUIS: She didn't lie. You're a sight to behold. Turn around and let me see.
ENZO: Merda! Need to get around to the other side.
CHASING SHADOWS
1st October, 1906
D’AMICO’S CRACKDOWN LOSES MOMENTUM
After a promising start in his role as police chief, Major Ettore D'Amico has recently been criticized by San Celeste’s mayor, Stefano Chiavetta, for being ‘ineffective’ and ‘out of his depth.’
At a town council meeting, Mayor Chievetta spoke passionately about how he felt D’Amico had ‘failed the people of the Valle Dorata’ by doing little to curb crime in the region. Chiavetta urged D'Amico to focus on tackling bandits in the country, and spend less time ‘chasing shadows’ - a reference to D’Amico’s campaign against alleged organized crime networks in the area.
D’Amico refused to give comment on these criticisms.
LEO: Hurry up, will you? Meet me down here when you're done.
[Choosing a better angle, Enzo photographs the Marquis with two prostitutes through the window.]
THE MARQUIS: You're both terrible... Mmm... Completely irredeemable.
PROSTITUTE: I can only offer my most humble apologies, signore.
THE MARQUIS: And you’re no better. A dirty girl, laying hands on a man of my stature. It’s an outrage.
PROSTITUTE: I can't help myself.
ENZO: Time to go. I've seen enough.
[He leaves but can still hear voices coming from the window.]
PROSTITUTE: I can't help myself, signore.
THE MARQUIS: You can't, can you? Wretched creature. Enough of these games. Untie me.
LEO: Took your time.
ENZO: Next time, you climb on the damned roof and take the dirty pictures.
LEO: Anyway, that gets us in the race. The Marquis will be more than happy to grant our request when I show him this.
ENZO: Not that I don't trust Pasquale but, in that car, the odds are against us.
LEO: They are. Which is good for my books.
ENZO: Only if we win.
LEO: Have a little belief, eh? By the way, I hear the French teams are shipping their cars through Genoa.
ENZO: Makes sense.
LEO: It does. Although there are rumors of a dock worker strike. Cargo could get stuck there for weeks.
ENZO: That would be a shame. (chickles)
LEO: Wouldn't it just?
THE MARQUIS: I told you to untie me. Do it now!
[A car pulls up for Leo.]
LEO: Ah, here's Franco with my ride home. Get some rest, busy day tomorrow. We'll see if you drive as well as you ride.
TEST DRIVE
[Finally, the race car is ready for the race! Enzo sits at the wheel, dressed in a typical racing suit of the time, including a helmet and goggles. They are standing at the station waiting for the train.]
CESARE: It'll be here any second. You better be ready.
ENZO: You really think this thing can beat a train?
CESARE: Let's find out. Here we go. Let's see if Pasquale's worked his magic. Race the train!
ENZO: Why did I let you talk me into this?
CESARE: Come on. Ready? Here it is! Drive, Enzo!
[During the race, something happens, and black smoke rolls under the wheels. The car swerves but stays on the road.]
ENZO: Minchia.
[Enzo still manages to overtake the train.]
LEO: Maria... that was fast.
ENZO: This thing can really move, but it still needs work.
LEO: Let's get her back to Pasquale.
[He gets into the passenger seat, and they drive to the mechanic.]
ENZO: Why did you pick Cesare to navigate?
LEO: It was the only way to keep him out of the driver's seat. Why you want somebody else?
ENZO: No. I trust him.
LEO: And he trusts you. That's why it's you two in the car. And lucky for us, he'll be the be navigator in the race.
ENZO: The best?
LEO: The other only get about a week to practice here. He's lived here his whole life. He knows the course better than any of them.
ENZO: All down to my driving then.
LEO: That and a little luck.
[They arrive at the mechanic's.]
PASQUALE: She's a fiery one, no?
ENZO: Fiery enough. She sounds unhappy though.
PASQUALE: I know the type. Let me take a look.
[All three stand at a small table discussing further actions.]
LEO: Enzo, Cesare, let's go over the plan. So, as expected, the marquis was more than happy to register us in the race.
CESARE: What a gentleman.
ENZO: Not from what I saw.
LEO: He served his purpose. You happy with the car?
ENZO: When it runs smoothly.
LEO: Leave that to Pasquale. Focus on the driving. And listen to Cesare. He'll tell what's around each corner.
CESARE: You hear that Enzo? You need to listen to me.
ENZO: Minchiuni. So what about these shortcuts? Where are they?
LEO: I'll have girls waiting to mark them out, here. Watch for them. Cesare, you too. They'll give you an edge.
ENZO: Cheating always does.
LEO: Hey, you want a sporting contest, go play bocce. I want that prize money.
CESARE: That makes two of us.
ENZO: I don't have a problem with that.
RACE DAY
[Race day arrives. The stands are full of spectators, the cars are lined up at the starting line.]
CESARE: Leo's plan better work.
ENZO: He's says everything's ready, so it's ready.
[Among the guests are also il Merlo and his brother L'ombre. They are a bit nervous. The Don, Leo, and Isabella are sitting on the other side of the stands.]
DON TORRISI: It's some machine they've put together.
LEO: Not going to be as fast as the visitors. But it's the driver who wins races, not the car.
DON GALANTE: The noise, the noise!
LEO: You won't be complaining when you're counting your winnings.
CESARE: This has to be the drive of your life.
ENZO: You just keep me me right.
ISABELLA: Forza Cesare! Forza Enzo!
LUCA: Hey, you lose, you're both on stable duty for a month!
[The race begins! Everyone drives off, but our bandits' car stalls...]
ENZO: Minchia! Vai, vai, vai!
CESARE: Pasquale! Pezzu di merda!
[He runs up to start the engine with the crank starter.]
CESARE: Great start!
ENZO: It's about how you finish. Come on!
[They join the race!]
CESARE: There's a right turn after that arch, Enzo. And it's fucking tight. Alright, get your foot down now. No surprises for a while.
CESARE: Switch back left up there. Really tricky. Once we're out of town, it's easy. Open her up. Show Pasquale what you can do! We're making good time. Enzo! Keep it up!
[They catch up to the last driver in the race.]
CESARE: Yes! Well taken, Enzo! There's a rough left turn down there at the markers. Take it easy. Down there! See that bridge? There's a right turn hiding behind it. Come on, Enzo, amuni! Even Leo could drive these roads! Nice driving! We might win this thing! That's how you drive! Keep pushing! Tight turns to go around those rocks. Right then left. Look, Leo's girls! Keep it up! That prize money is ours! You can push it right through Collezolfo. Rattle their fucking windows. The next part is like Francesca - lot of curves but real easy. We're making good time, Enzo! Keep it up! We're going right over that bridge. Pretty sharp. Don't fuck it up. Lots of turns through the trees. Nothing you can't handle. This next bit's easy. You could drive it blind drunk. Believe me. Really hard left then a right. Watch out. Even I've crashed back there, once or twice. Even I've crashed back there once or twice. Left over that hill. Mizzica! Go right! The riverbed! Right! Right! Vafanculu!
[They drive down into a small river.]
ENZO: Minchia!
CESARE: That didn't sound good. Minchiuni! Be more careful!
ENZO: Cchi minchia e? No power!
CESARE: Hold on. I'll take a look.
ENZO: Make it quick. She's dying.
CESARE: Hold her steady, Enzo!
ENZO: What do you think I'm trying to do?! Just hurry up.
CESARE: Fuel line. It's loose.
CESARE: Yeah just need to- Agh! Figgh'i buttana! It's red hot!
ENZO: You want me to stop?
CESARE: No, no, no. I've got it. Arghh! Come on!
ENZO: You hurt.
CESARE: Nah. I'm alright. I'm alright. Let's win this thing. We can get back on the course up there! Right, Enzo. Right!
ENZO: We lost a lot of gas...
CESARE: We got enough to finish?
ENZO: Don't know.
CESARE: Yes! Well taken, Enzo! Long hard left after the markers. Sharp right after the arch! Watch out! That's how you drive! Keep pushing! Alright, you can get your fool down here. We need to make up some time. There's a wide left then it's a hard right them a really night left. Got it? That's Restivo up ahead! Get him Enzo, come on! Pedal to the floor. Not far now! Nice driving! We might win this thing! Minchia! Don't let him get ahead. We're so close! Three switchbacks coming up. Right, left, right. We're almost done, Enzo! We're going to make it! We're making good time. Enzo! Keep too. Minchia! Take it easy! She's a delicate machine!
[At the last minute, they manage to pull ahead and win.]
WINNER'S CIRCLE
[A big feast takes place to celebrate the victory. Many are already quite drunk, but Enzo is quite sober.]
CESARE: Hey Enzo! Where's the photographer? I want to get a photo.
ENZO: Forget it. He's passed out.
CESARE: How are we supposed to mark the occasion?! Not every day you beat the world's richest idiots.
ENZO: What about your cousin? Doesn't she take photographs?
CESARE: Yeah! I think I saw her with Leo. Go fetch her will you?
ENZO: Alright.
CESARE: Meet you at the car.
LUCA: The fastest man in Sicily!
ENZO: Luca! Valentina!
LUCA: You drive well, for a carusu.
ENZO: I had a lot of help from Cesare.
VALENTINA: You two boys bring out the best in each other.
LUCA: And the worst!
VALENTINA: Don't make fun of the boy, my love.
LUCA: He knows I'm playing! You did us proud, Enzo. Yet again. Now stop wasting your time talking to us. Go have a good time.
VALENTINA: Yes, Enzo, go. Find yourself a girl.
[Enzo approaches a group of heavily drunk members of Don Torrisi's family.]
ANGELO: Enzo!
ENZO: You three having a good time?
ROBERTO: You bet. Fat pockets and free drinks. What's not to like?
ENRICO: The smell.
ROBERTO: There's no smell!
ROBERTO: He's like this every time he pulls guard duty at the tannery. Thinks the smell sticks to him.
ANGELO: He's right that it stinks though.
ENZO: There are worse places to work, I promise you that. And it's making us rich.
ROBERTO: You two should listen and stop complaining. I'd rather be a stinking rich man than a sweet-smelling pauper.
ENZO: Here's to that. And, Enrico, maybe you could try washing once in a while.
[He approaches the table of Tino and both Dons.]
TINO: It's a damned circus. I told them to stay away from it but they saw an opportunity so this farce continues. It seems fortune favored you again.
ENZO: It favored the whole family.
TINO: Fortune is fickle. Do not mistake it for your friend.
ENZO: I'm no stranger to bad luck.
TINO: I've known that since the day you showed up, carusu.
ENZO: Enjoy your evening, Tino.
[He turns to the Dons.]
ENZO: Don Torrisi. Don Galante.
DON TORRISI: You drove us to victory today. That means a payday for everyone.
ENZO: Grazie, Don Torrisi.
DON TORRISI: It also means attention. On you and on the family.
ENZO: I... We covered our tracks-
DON GALANTE: But not your face. A face many already knew. Tell me, Enzo, do you want to be famous?
ENZO: No, Don Galante.
DON TORRISI: Good. We have no use for famous men. Remember that. Next time, you talk to me first. Directly. U capisti?
ENZO: Yes. Thank you. Don Torrisi, Don Galante...
TOWNSMAN: Straight-line speed isn't everything.
GALANTE MAFIOSO: No, but you can't tell me it doesn't help.
TOWNSMAN: I'm not. I'm saying that, on these roads, it's a navigator's race. Knowing the turns is more important than engine size.
FRANCO: Whole island's lost its mind.
ENZO: Leo, can you-
LEO: Enzo! Let me introduce Giuliano Bertone and Elio Tricoli. Friends of ours from Empire Bay.
ENZO: Empire Bay? We have you to thank for the car?
AMERICAN MAFIOSO: Eh, we move a lot of cars. My memory gets hazy.
LEO: Ours too. Right, Enzo?
ENZO: Don't remember any car. Listen, Leo, we're taking a photo. Have you seen Signorina Torrisi?
LEO: She was with her friend. Don't know where they went.
ENZO: I'll see you by the car, alright?
LEO: Gentlemen. I'll leave you to it.
AMERICAN MAFIOSO: Alright. Don't forget what we talked about.
LEO: When have I ever let you down? It's already in hand.
GALANTE MAFIOSO: When's the next shipment?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Week after next. Why? You running out?
ENZO: You having fun, Franco?
FRANCO: Fun. Right.
ENZO: I'm guessing Leo cut you in on the action?
FRANCO: You don't need to worry about me.
ENZO: Right. Good talking to you.
[He goes down to the pier.]
GALANTE MAFIOSO: Lucky really. Could never have happened if the French had been able to enter.
PROSTITUTE: Oh, is that right?
GALANTE MAFIOSO: Oh yeah. People think the Americans make the fastest cars but it's the French, and theirs are more reliable.
PROSTITUTE: Is that so?
GALANTE MAFIOSO: Oh yeah. Drivers are first rate, too. Probably the best in the world.
PROSTITUTE: You don't say.
[She seems maximally uninterested in the topic of cars... nearby, Enzo finds Giuseppe smoking a pipe.]
GIUSEPPE: Enzo! I didn't even know you could drive.
ENZO: Giuseppe. How's life in the basement?
GIUSEPPE: Eh, better than jail. Hey, I meant to ask you. In the other cell - the night you broke me out - Who was that? The big vadduni?
ENZO: Corrado Bastoni. In the flesh.
GIUSEPPE: That was L'Ombra? Bedda Matri, he's even uglier than his brother.
ENZO: Doesn't seem possible, does it? He's dangerous but not so smart. The Don's got the measure of him.
GIUSEPPE: I'll drink to that.
[Finally, Enzo meets his beloved but tries not to give himself away in front of others.]
ENZO: Signorina Torrisi. Your cousin wants us to take a photo.
ISABELLA: What a celebration, Enzo! Are you enjoying yourself?
ENZO: I am, thank you, Signorina Torrisi.
ISABELLA: I hope you're not drinking too much.
ENZO: I'm not. I don't want to miss any of tonight. I've got a feeling it will only get better.
ISABELLA: Better?
ENZO: Well, it's a special day. Your father's given all the men the night off.
ISABELLA: So nobody's watching the house? Somebody could sneak in during the night. Or sneak out.
ENZO: They could, Signorina Torrisi. Do you think they will?
ISABELLA: Who can say what will happen after dark?
[They approach Cesare, who wanted to take a photo.]
LEO: Stand up straight, Cesare.
CESARE: What? I am!
PASQUALE: Let's get this over with.
ISABELLA: Get together there, closer.
CESARE: Here. You should be holding this.
[He hands Enzo the champion's cup.]
ISABELLA: Alright, get in position then. Don't move. Hold that pose!
PASQUALE: Hurry up!
LEO: Let's get on with it.
[Isabella takes a photo of the happy and merry friends celebrating the victory.]
VIII - DISGRAZIA
[Enzo and Isabella are sleeping in bed after a night of passionate love in Enzo's apartment. Suddenly, there's a knock at the door. Isabella jumps out of bed in terror.]ISABELLA: Who is it?
TINO: Carusu!
ENZO: Minchia!
[He also jumps out of bed.]
ENZO: Stay in here.
TINO: Carusu! Open up!
[Enzo lets Tino into the room.]
TINO: Never leave me standing on the doorstep. I have to talk, it's urgent.
[He notices women's clothing.]
TINO: Who's here?
ENZO: No-one. Why?
TINO: You have a woman here! Get her out of here.
ENZO: There's nobody.
TINO: Don't lie to me.
ENZO: I said there's nobody!
[He pushes Enzo aside and enters the room... and indeed, there's no one there.]
ENZO: So, what is it?
TINO: My man at the guardie has been told to prepare for a raid of the tannery, today.
ENZO: Merda!
TINO: We have a traitor. You have to get down there now. Warn the men, clear the place out.
[Enzo quickly puts on his shirt and boots.]
ENZO: Who could have talked?
TINO: You leave that to me. There's more than twenty thousand dollars in bills in there. Get everything you can. And don't let the guardie take anyone in. U capisti?
[Enzo nods, and Tino leaves.]
ENZO: Minchia, that was too close... Where did she go?
[He exits his apartment and meets a man sweeping the floor.]
FLAVIO: Ciao, Signor Favara!
ENZO: Can't talk now, Flavio.
VILLAGER: I didn't see but it was late.
VILLAGER: Glad I don't share a wall with him. The hours he keeps!
VILLAGER: Oh... yes I'll tell him. We can both see you at market.
VILLAGER: What?
VILLAGER: Oh. Yes, at market. At market.
ENZO: Need to warn Cesare before all hell breaks loose.
[He gets into the car and drives away quickly.]
ENZO: Andiamo, andiamo! Got to get to the tannery! Fanculo, time's running out to warn Cesare!
[He arrives at the tannery as fast as he could.]
ANGELO: Ciao, Enzo.
ENZO: Where's Cesare?!
ANGELO: He's inside.
ENZO: Angelo, get everybody to the truck and get out of here!
ANGELO: On my way. Enrico, let's go!
ENZO: Roberto, you clear this place out. Leave nothing. U capisti?
ROBERTO: Got it.
ENZO: Don't get caught!
ROBERTO: Never do.
ENZO: Cesare! Someone talked. The guardie are on their way. We've got to clear this place out!
CESARE: Bedda Matri! How long?
ENZO: Anytime now.
CESARE: Go find Giuseppe. I'll get the money!
ENZO: Cesare, me and you are going down there. We're going to get our people out.
CESARE: Right behind you.
ENZO: Looks like they're heading for the tannery.
CESARE: Merda! The forger's down there!
ENZO: And the press. We're fucked if they find that hidden room.
CESARE: What about the money? In the scraping room.
ENZO: We'll try and get that, too.
CESARE: Which motherless sucaminchia talked?
ENZO: Don't know. Tino is looking for them.
CESARE: He's as good as dead.
ENZO: Get what they deserve.
[However, the trucks with policemen have already arrived... Enzo hides behind a fence.]
ENZO: Merda...
MAJOR D'AMICO: Leave no stone unturned. Seize everything. Round up every conspirator you find.
[He approaches the cab of the truck where the traitor is sitting...]
MAJOR D'AMICO: Suppose the stench doesn't bother you? This information had better be sound.
L'OMBRA: You'll see. Torrisi had this going on right under your nose, and you never would've found it.
ENZO: Figgh'i buttana...
MAJOR D'AMICO: Hey! Remember your place.
[L'ombra sharply pulls the Major's hand away.]
MAJOR D'AMICO: The agreement stands, but get in my way, and I'll haul you in with the rest.
L'OMBRA: Soon as I find the reward we agreed on, I'll be gone and away.
CESARE: He's after the cash. I'll take care of it. You warn the men, and find the forger.
[He leaves, crouching, trying to be quiet.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Psst! Psssst! Hey, Enzo. In here. L'Ombra was here! I saw him with the guardie!
ENZO: I know. Rat brought them right to us.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Fucking surgi!
ENZO: We'll deal with him later. Have you seen the forger?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He was down at the tannery working the press last I saw him.
ENZO: Alright. Go. Get out of here.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Good luck, Enzo.
GUARDIA: Those people look like mafiosi to you?
GUARDIA: It's a good result but I still have the feeling we're being used.
GUARDIA: What do you mean?
GUARDIA: The chief's informant. The one with the eye. He look like an upstanding citizen to you?
GUARDIA: Ha! Not a chance. So we used a small crook to catch a bigger one. Still a win in my book.
[Picking the lock, Enzo gets into a shed where one of the workers is hiding.]
ENZO: Where's the forger?
WORKER: Working on the press, I think. Down in the tannery.
ENZO: Grazie. Now get out of here before more show up.
[He continues to move stealthily through the tannery, eavesdropping on the policemen's conversations.]
GUARDIA: Alright, stay sharp. We're not done here yet.
GUARDIA: There's two that need checking on the far side of the compound. We've been tasked with those.
GUARDIA: Got it.
GUARDIA: Hey, who was that with the chief? Big, ugly creature.
GUARDIA: Civilian informant. Goes by the name of L'Ombra. Scumbag from the mines. Useful though.
GUARDIA: L'Ombra? What kind of name is that?
[In the basement, one of the Don's men almost kills him.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Cristo! Thought you were the guardie!
ENZO: You blind now as well as stupid? Where's Giuseppe?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: I don't know. He's not here.
ENZO: You should get going. Stay low and find somewhere safe.
[He continues his search for Giuseppe.]
GIUSEPPE'S PROGRESS REPORT
My esteemed friends,
A short update as requested. Progress continues to be slow, hampered by the questionable quality of certain materials. I only approve one batch in five for export.
Nevertheless, we are keeping to schedule and I understand our American cousins are satisfied.
I will deliver all that we agreed before the end of the month. I am willing to stay longer, but my fee will be doubled due to the abhorrent conditions.
Please, let me know how to proceed.
GP
TANNERY RULES
To be strictly observed:
1. Do not remove material from the press room.
2. Never leave the press room open.
3. Travel to the site alone and on foot.
4. Remain indoors at all times.
5. No fires or lights at night.
Any person entering the press room must say the password or will be assumed unfriendly.
GUARDIA: Look, right ahead. Move up!
GUARDIA: More casualties here, caporale!
GUARDIA: Alright. Eyes Sharp. Weapons ready.
GUARDIA: Listen up- Whoever did this could still be here. Fan out and find them. Let's go.
GUARDIA: Clear over here.
GUARDIA: Clear, caporale!
GUARDIA: Clear! Clear!
GUARDIA: Right. I want teams in the tannery and the scraping house. Rest of you are on watch out here.
GUARDIA: Si Caporale!
GUARDIA: Caporale!
GUARDIA: Got it!
GUARDIA: Last chance to do this the easy way before I charge you.
GUARDIA: We know what this place is. We know who you work for. Last chance... No? As you wish.
[Enzo lures a policeman out and kills him by stabbing him several times from behind.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enzo, thank God. What's happening out there?
ENZO: Corrado Bastoni. He informed on us.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: L'Ombra's a rat?! That dirty Spadaro bastard!
ENZO: Forget him for now. Where's the forger?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He was in the storehouse last I saw him.
ENZO: Alright, you head towards the chapel and get out of here. Watch your backs.
[Finally, he finds the counterfeiter in a shed, surrounded by dead policemen.]
ENZO: Ha! Giuseppe? Two against one. You're lucky to be alive.
GIUSEPPE: They were unlucky to meet my knife up up close.
ENZO: Where's the money?
GIUSEPPE: The scraping house. Almost a whole shipment, packed up and ready.
ENZO: I'll go for it. You get out of here.
GIUSEPPE: Gladly.
CESARE: Come and get me, sucaminchia!
GIUSEPPE: That's Cesare!
[It seems he has already had a shootout with the police, and Enzo has to help his friend.]
GUARDIA: There's another one up there. Top window!
GUARDIA: Get some fire on him. We need to reach that door!
CESARE: Vafanculu!
GUARDIA: You're a dead man!
CESARE: You want to die today?
CESARE: Vattinni! Argh!
[Enzo enters the shed where Cesare is hiding at the moment when L'ombra has him pinned against the wall and is beating him.]
CESARE: Enzo! Scànnulu! Kill him!
[However, L'ombra throws Cesare at Enzo, thus knocking the pistol out of his hand. Then he gets behind the wheel of the car.]
L'OMBRA: Figgh'i buttana!
[He drives away, breaking through the wooden wall of the shed and scattering bills everywhere.]
ENZO: Sucaminchia! Cesare, dai!
CESARE: The car! The money's in the car! He's a fucking dead man! Come on! Get your foot down, Enzo!
ENZO: He's not getting away from me.
CESARE: Motherless snake! I'm going to gut him! He snuck up on me, the fucking rat.
ENZO: He has no honor. He's an animal.
CESARE: Watch out!
ENZO: Guardie are everywhere!
CESARE: What a fucking disaster. I never want to see this shithole again. Left! He turned left! Up ahead! What the fuck is he doing? Oh! Minchia! What the fuck are you doing?! Enzooooo! Figgh'i buttana! Fuck!
[They cross a crevice on the collapsed wall of a house, miraculously surviving.]
ENZO: Oof! You alright?
CESARE: Don't ever do that again!
ENZO: All that money. Minchia!
CESARE: Keep on him! We finish this! Don't lose him in the fog. Get closer!
ENZO: I'm trying!
ENZO: Figgh 'i buttana! The fog, I can't see a fucking thing.
CESARE: Has to be worse for that one-eyed cugghiuni. Keep going! How did that one-eyed bastard find the tannery?
ENZO: Minchia! The jail! He saw the forger. Must have been looking for Giuseppe and tracked him down.
CESARE: Or he figured out who you were.
ENZO: Maybe. He and his brother would do anything to get at me.
CESARE: Not just you now. They've fucked all of us. Why can't anything go right? That money press would have made us all rich.
ENZO: All that matters now is getting that bastaddu!
CESARE: Get your foot down, Enzo!
ENZO: It is down!
CESARE: Then what's the fucking hold-up?
ENZO: Steep hills and weak engine.
CESARE: Minchia! We've got to go faster! Do something!
ENZO: You want to get out and push, be my guest! Fuck! He's heading to Collezolfo!
CESARE: Minchia! We've got to stop him!
ENZO: I know!
CESARE: If he gets to Spadaro turf-
ENZO: I know! I'm on him! I don't see him!
CESARE: He's got to be up here somewhere. Where is he?
ENZO: He must be here. Nowhere else to go. He can't be far.
[They stop and find an abandoned car.]
CESARE: Let's find this cugghiuni! Hurry up! Motherless snake! I'm going to gut him!
[He runs ahead - only gunfire and curses are heard.]
ENZO: Idiota. Going to get himself killed.
CESARE: Vafanculu! Come and get me, sucaminchia! Argh! Minchia!
L'OMBRA: Merda...
[Enzo manages to flank L'ombra and catch him by surprise.]
ENZO: Drop it.
L'OMBRA: Kill me, you start a war. My brother will tear this valley apart.
ENZO: When people hear you broke omertà, you'll be dead anyway.
L'OMBRA: Your word against mine.
ENZO: How long have you been working with the guardie? Or did Spadaro set this up?
L'OMBRA: Why don't we just-
[At that moment, Cesare runs up and hits L'ombra on the head with a shovel. L'ombra had a pistol in his hand and was ready to shoot Enzo.]
CESARE: Bastaddu!
ENZO: He was a caporegime, Cesare.
CESARE: He was a surgi, a rat!
ENZO: We can't leave him here.
[They put him in the car and set it on fire.]
CESARE: Brucia all'inferno.
ENZO: There will be hell to pay for this.
CESARE: Lucky we had nothing to do with it, then. Drank too much, came off the road. Terrible accident.
Fratelli Galante Tonnara
THREE DAYS LATER
[Don Galante, Don Torrisi, and Luca are waiting for Spadaro to arrive.]
DON GALANTE: He's here. Ruggero. Welcome. As a friend, I vouch for your safety and the safety of your men. Sit.
DON SPADARO: So why am I here?
DON TORRISI: You know why.
DON SPADARO: I'm afraid you'll have to enlighten me.
DON GALANTE: This is a time for plain speaking. Bernardo, let's have this out, huh?
DON TORRISI: The guardie paid an unwelcome visit to one of my ventures. Cost me a great deal.
DON SPADARO: And what does this have to do with me?
DON TORRISI: Corrado Bastoni, his brother, led the police to my door. He broke omertà and stole from me.
DON SPADARO: This is a serious accusation. Who makes this claim?
LUCA: Enzo Favara and Cesare Massaro.
DON SPADARO: Ah, a carusu and a half-wit?
LUCA: They're both trusted men.
DON TORRISI: That wretch Bastoni colluded with the law. I demand that this be made right.
IL MERLO: That is a lie!
DON SPADARO: If Corrado did this, then he acted alone.
DON TORRISI: A man in your position should keep his dogs under control.
IL MERLO: My brother is dead, murdered! And you make these accusations?
DON SPADARO: What would you know of what he speaks, Torrisi? The killing of a man of honor would be a cause for war.
LUCA: We know nothing about that.
DON GALANTE: Enough! Enough. Please, be reasonable.
DON TORRISI: Are you going to make this right?
DON SPADARO: There's nothing for me to remedy. And nothing further to discuss.
[They leave.]
1907
IX - INDUSTRIA
[Enzo reads Isabella's letter while waiting for a guest.]ISABELLA: Amore mio, we must take care. My father's mood has grown dark and he is quick to anger. He has men on the gates all through the night. I will not visit, for a while at least. Just know that I love you, forever, and with all of my heart. Isabella.
ENZO: Baron Fontanella. Please. This way.
[He leads the Baron into Don Torrisi's office.]
DON TORRISI: Come. Raffaele. Sit. You said it was urgent so, please.
BARON FONTANELLA: Perhaps, Bernardo, we could speak privately?
DON TORRISI: Anything you wish to discuss, you can say it here. They'll come to know in time.
BARON FONTANELLA: Very well then. There's a situation at my factory, outside of Collezolfo.
DON TORRISI: And what situation is that? I've heard of no problems.
BARON FONTANELLA: Striking workers are making outrageous demands. Production's ground to a halt, total shutdown. Something's happened with your man Lorenzetti.
DON TORRISI: Lorenzetti's a friend, a trusted man. He's kept order there for years.
BARON FONTANELLA: Seems things have changed. Because it is he, supposedly, behind this strike.
DON TORRISI: That I find hard to believe.
BARON FONTANELLA: Perhaps you'll believe this.
[He takes out a paper written in red ink or possibly blood. The Baron places it on the table in front of the Don.]
BARON FONTANELLA: No signatory, of course, but only he could be behind this. And the workers take orders from him.
DON TORRISI: You were right to bring this to my attention. Thank you, Raffaele.
[The Baron leaves.]
LUCA: Always something with Fontanella.
DON TORRISI: There is. But this needs investigation. I leave that to you.
LUCA: Okay.
DON TORRISI: Give me a moment.
[Luca and Enzo leave the Don's office, who is sadly looking out from the balcony.]
LUCA: Andiamo. Come, Enzo. Walk with me. Vincenzo Lorenzetti. He's known the Don since they were just boys. He broke strikes with me at the Fontanella factory in the nineties. This is out of character. Do what you can to track him down but tread carefully. He'll know we're looking for him.
ENZO: I'll find him. We can straighten this out.
LUCA: Ask around. The men may have heard something. And talk to Tino. He has eyes everywhere.
[They go out into the villa's courtyard. Enzo approaches Don Torrisi's men, who are also his friends, one by one.]
ROBERTO: Oh, Enzo.
ENZO: Roberto, there's been some trouble at Fontanella's factory, over in Collezolfo. You heard anything?
ROBERTO: Eh, I don't hear much from that side of the valley. Seems to be trouble everywhere these days though.
ENZO: Alright, grazie.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Heard Spadaro's brought in men from Agrigento.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He's impatient, always has been. It won't be long now.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Wear hold our own. What are you so worried about?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Il Merlo. He's a demon since he lost his brother.
ENZO: Gaspare, you're from Collezolfo, aren't you? Have you heard anything from there recently?
GASPARE: Well, I heard the factory's closed. Lot of men out of work. Union trouble most likely. It used to be bad there.
ENZO: Alright. Grazie.
ENZO: I'm going to find this Lorenzetti. Headed over to Collezolfo, so I could do with some backup.
CESARE: I can't. My uncle wants six of us on the collection run in case Spadaro tries. anything.
ENZO: Alright. You know anything about Lorenzetti?
CESARE: Just what you heard. Vincenzo Lorenzetti. Foreman at Collezolfo. Try talking to Pasquale. He fixes the machines over at the factory.
ENZO: Will do. Be careful out there, Cesare.
CESARE: You too. Eyes keen, huh? Hand on your knife.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Seen anything?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Nothing much. I'll stick to my round.
ISABELLA: Enzo. Bongiornu.
ENZO: Isabella! Did you get my note?
ISABELLA: I did, but I couldn't get out. Too many guards. I miss you, amore mio! I'll keep trying.
ENZO: I miss you too. Be careful.
[He approaches Enrico and Angelo, who are smoking and discussing the latest news as usual.]
ENRICO: It's already war. But nobody wants to call it that. Not yet.
ANGELO: It was the same last time Everyone afraid to say the word until there's no denying it
ENZO: Either of you know Lorenzetti? The factory foreman? Seen him lately?
ANGELO: Vincenzo? Yeah, we play cards sometimes. Enrico here cleaned him out three weeks ago. Haven't seen him since.
ENRICO: Lucky Lorenzetti. Been on a losing streak for a long time. Heard he owes a lot of money but keep that to yourself.
ENZO: I will. Grazie.
ANGELO: You think he's in trouble?
[Enzo goes down to the basement to the gunsmith.]
VALERIO: Enzo, come stai?
ENZO: Valerio. I'm looking for someone - Lorenzetti from Collezolfo. You know him?
VALERIO: Only by name. But some of the boys play cards with him. They might know more.
VALERIO: Watch yourself in Collezolfo, u capisti? This Spadaro thing could boil over any day. I can feel it. You want to take something to protect yourself? Got some beautiful weapons from America. Shame not to use them. Good hunting, Enzo.
TINO: What's the matter? Get going. Hurry up. I take it you want to discuss our friend the foreman?
ENZO: Luca asked me to find Lorenzetti. What can you tell me?
TINO: Until today, there wasn't much to tell. He gambles.
Has a mistress in Collezolfo, an old pot-washer named Angelica Vaccaro.
ENZO: Anything else?
TINO: His cousin, Camillo Burgio. A socialista. Union man. He may have a hand in this. Ask around.
ENZO: Grazie, Tino.
TINO: Don't fuck this up. Just find Lorenzetti and bring him here. I'll do the rest.
[Enzo gets behind the wheel of a car and drives to his crime family's mechanic.]
PASQUALE: Enzo! What brings you out here?
ENZO: Ciao, Pasquale. I just need information. You know Vincenzo Lorenzetti? The foreman at Collezolfo?
PASQUALE: Yeah, I know him. But... I don't see him like I used to. It's always one thing after another with him.
ENZO: What kind of thing?
PASQUALE: Ah, money. And always a good story for why he needs it. Never his fault. But I know he gambles it away, or spends it on that mistress.
ENZO: When did you last see him?
PASQUALE: Hmm. Months ago. Maybe longer. Try his cousin, Camillo Burgio. Lives over in Collezolfo. He'll know something.
ENZO: Grazie, Pasquale.
PASQUALE: Hey, why don't you take a look around before you go?
[Enzo drives into the city and finds Vincenzo's lover.]
WORKER: These fucking bastaddi. Who are they to tell us what's in our best interests? They're worse than the clans now.
MISTRESS: What do you want?
ENZO: I'm looking for Vincenzo Lorenzetti, signora.
MISTRESS: You're wasting your time here. I already told your friends: I have no money.
ENZO: Friends? Who do you mean?
MISTRESS: Two of them. Never seen them before. Rough-looking. Came around asking questions, just like you.
ENZO: Is Vincenzo inside, signora?
MISTRESS: No. He went out to play cards last night. Hasn't been back since. He'll be caught up in all that trouble at the factory.
ENZO: Who does he play cards with?
MISTRESS: Those idiots from the town. Tonio, Sebastiano. There's a bunch of them. Thick as thieves.
ENZO: Grazie, signora.
WORKER: It's not Lorenzetti. This thing goes higher. You didn't see those Union enforcers slinking about? Ugly pezzu di merda.
WORKER: Who was that? He's not from around here!
WORKER: We would have gone with him in a heartbeat but he didn't want that.
[He approaches the mustachioed socialist.]
CAMILLO: You looking for someone?
ENZO: Camillo Burgio? I'm looking for Lorenzetti. I'm a friend.
CAMILLO: Let me guess - You're with Fontanella?
ENZO: And you're with the union. Did you help Lorenzetti arrange this strike?
CAMILLO: Ha. Wish I had. First I heard about it was him turning the men away at the gate.
ENZO: That doesn't make sense.
CAMILLO: Damn right it doesn't. Vincenzo hates the union. Barely talks to me because of it. Look, you want answers, go talk to his gambling buddies, Tonio and... uh... Sebastiano. They're together almost every night.
ENZO: Grazie, signore. I will.
WORKER: Watch out. Here comes another one.
[Enzo finds Vincenzo's friends, gamblers.]
ENZO: Any of you Tonio? Or Sebastiano? Have you seen Vincenzo Lorenzetti lately?
TONIO: Sure, last night. We were up in his office, playing cards, like always. Then these two ugly bastaddi turn up and make us all leave.
ENZO: What did they want?
SEBASTIANO: No idea. Not like Vincenzo to leave a game when he's winning. The office is up the hill, by the well. Go take a look.
ENZO: Grazie.
[Enzo finds Vincenzo's office, but the entrance door is locked.]
ENZO: Lorenzetti, you in there? Must be another way in...
POLICE CHIEF DISMISSAL
5th March, 1907
D’AMICO DISMISSED FOLLOWING TANNERY DEBACLE
Speculation has been rife about police chief Major Ettore D'Amico’s future, following his raid on a tannery in the Valle Dorata.
Late last year, chaos erupted when a gunfight between police officers and unnamed assailants broke out, leaving dozens dead. A review into the raid has concluded D’Amico acted rashly and ‘without proper authorization.'
Following the review, D’Amico has been dismissed from his role as police chief and has reportedly returned to Naples. It is unclear at this time whether D'Amico still has a position in the police.
D’Amico refused to give a comment.
[Enzo finds another way inside.]
ENZO: He didn't make this mess alone. There has to be something in here.
ADVICE ON PROPOSED STRIKES
Signor Lorenzetti, In all good conscience, I cannot call a strike at Fonderia Marconato at this time. It’s not in the best interests of the workers to antagonize the owner right now.
I find your request for such action, as the foreman, peculiar. You have never supported union activity in the past, and I question your motivations now.
If you want to strike, it’s on your head. Please do not suggest we had anything to do with it.
Brunello Endrizzi
ENZO: Figgh 'i buttana! Should check in here too.
LETTER FROM LORENZETTI
Bernardo, I write to you with a heavy heart to confess my failings. A terrible situation has taken root at Fonderia Marconato, and I bear the blame.
To my shame, I have fallen into debt—an insurmountable sum that I can never repay. Ruggero Spadaro now holds my fate in his hands, and his demands have forced me to act against your interests. He wants me to close the factory, I assume he intends to steal everything of value.
We have known each other since boyhood, and I can only hope you can forgive me. I am desperate and cannot face this alone. Please, send your men. I need your help.
Your loyal friend,
Lorenzetti
ENZO: Tino needs to know about this!
SPADARO’S DEMANDS
Sig. Lorenzetti,
Since acquiring your debt, I have received only 600 lire in remittance — an amount that barely covers the interest accrued.
My patience is at its limit. I now demand full repayment. Alternatively, you may fulfill the obligations we discussed at our last meeting.
Act without delay. My collectors will arrive within the week to ensure this matter is resolved.
Regards,
Ruggero Spadaro
ENZO: Spadaros!
[Suddenly, a worker enters the office.]
WORKER: You! You're the man who's looking for Lorenzetti? Please, out here. Let me show you. Look, down there. If you're looking for Lorenzetti, well... There are armed men down at the factory, stripping the place. They dragged Lorenzetti to Fontanella's office. Locked the gates.
ENZO: I'll find a way in. You did the right thing letting me know, signore. I'll take it from here.
[He quietly and discreetly makes his way onto the factory grounds.]
WORKER: I trust him but it's strange. I haven't seen anybody I know from the union.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Okay, okay, but they don't need to be skilled. We just need numbers.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Can't argue with that. But I still don't want to get shot in the back by some picciottu from Agrigento who's never held a gun.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: So stay behind them, minchiuni! You see me standing up front?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You know Lorenzetti is one of Torrisi's people, right?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: What Merlo didn't say anything about that!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: It'll take days to clear this whole place.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: That's too long. People will start asking questions.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Boss doesn't care.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: If he doesn't then I don't either.
[Finally, Enzo finds Lorenzetti's office - only the office is in disarray, and its owner is lying on the floor, choking on his blood.]
ENZO: You Lorenzetti? What happened?
LORENZETTI: Bastard held me here, beat me... took everything. Il Merlo...
ENZO: He was here?
LORENZETTI: Chased the workers away. They want to lean on... Fontanella.
ENZO: Tranquillo. Can you move?
LORENZETTI: No, no...
ENZO: Lorenzetti? Lorenzetti?
[But he is already dead...]
ENZO: Merda.
[He gets up and walks towards the exit but ducks from a shot, which was clearly a warning. A familiar voice is heard from afar...]
IL MERLO: Carusu! Carusu! Oh, you can't help your friend? Would not be the first time, huh?
[He bursts into laughter.]
ENZO: Figgh 'i buttana...
IL MERLO: We're bleeding your man Fontanella dry. He's finished. Come on out. I'll explain it all to you.
[He is on the second floor, shooting a rifle. Enzo hides behind a table.]
IL MERLO: No? Oh well...
[He gives a signal to his men.]
IL MERLO: Smoke him out!
[Several lit kerosene lamps are thrown into the room where Enzo is, and the room is engulfed in flames.]
ENZO: Merda! Got to get out of here. Now! The whole place is coming down!
[He returns fire and heads for the exit.]
ENZO: Easy... easy...
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You heard Il Merlo! Don't let him escape!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You're not getting out of here, carusu! Boss wants you dead!
[Enzo gets outside, but the factory building collapses from gas explosions, and he has to climb back inside.]
[When Enzo approaches the door leading to the factory exit, a large bandit with a knife breaks it down from the other side.]
ENZO: Agh!
SPADARO HENCHMAN: Going somewhere?
ENZO: Are you out of your mind? We'll both burn in here!
SPADARO HENCHMAN: Not if I make this quick. Come on! No!
[Enzo quickly kills the bandit and escapes the burning factory.]
Villa Torrisi
THREE HOURS LATER
[Tino comes to Don Torrisi, who has gone into the pantry to cut himself a piece of cured meat.]
TINO: Foreman's dead. And already cremated.
[The Don sharply stabs the knife he was holding into the table.]
DON TORRISI: What happened?
TINO: The carusu found Lorenzetti beaten half to death. Spadaro's dogs stripped the place clean, then torched it.
DON TORRISI: Enzo?
TINO: He's alive. But he isn't our concern right now. You know what this means?
DON TORRISI: They're moving on the whole valley.
TINO: That horseshit about his man acting alone at the tannery. This was already in motion.
DON TORRISI: Buttana ra miseria! Fontanella's finished. Any value that he had, is gone.
TINO: This is between us and Spadaro. We should have ended that buttanazza back then. Vendetta's must end.
[However, the Don, burning with revenge, sharply pulls the knife stuck in the table out.]
DON TORRISI: If this is how he wants it. This is how it'll be.
X - LA FESTA
[The villa is in a frenzy - people are walking everywhere, carrying things. Our bandits are standing by the fountain in front of the house.]CESARE: Minchia, questo caldo. At least it'll be cool in the church...
DON TORRISI: Enzo!
ENZO: Everything alright?
DON TORRISI: My daughter, she tests my patience. I'm needed at the church before the baptism, but Isabella is taking her time. You're to wait and drive her to San Celeste when she's ready.
ENZO: Of course.
DON TORRISI: The roads will be busy because of the parade. Make sure you're there before the ceremony starts.
[The Don leaves in his luxurious car with his personal driver.]
CESARE: Coming?
ENZO: I have to drive Isabella. I'll meet you there.
CESARE: Come on.
[Tino looks at Enzo strangely, as if he realized he was up to no good. Enzo tries not to show it.]
ISABELLA: They've already left? I'm sorry for the hold-up. Was the only way to get my own private chauffeur.
ENZO: You're worth the wait, as always. You look beautiful.
[He helps her into the car. They drive to the ceremony.]
ISABELLA: I've been looking forward to this for months. It's been a long time since we've had a family celebration like this.
ENZO: Well. I'm honored to be a part of it.
ISABELLA: I'm glad you'll be there. For once, after the wine comes out I have someone to talk to.
ENZO: How'd you know, your father would ask me to drive you?
ISABELLA: I didn't. But it was worth taking the chance.
ENZO: I think he's starting to trust me. I told you he would.
ISABELLA: He trusts you as a driver.
ENZO: As your driver.
ISABELLA: And that's enough? I took you for a man of ambition.
ENZO: It's a beautiful day, and I'm alone with you. What more could I want? Although I wouldn't mind if the drive was a little longer.
ISABELLA: Will we make it in time? For the ceremony?
ENZO: Don't worry.
ISABELLA: I'd hate to miss it. Luca and Valentina looked so happy this morning.
ENZO: With Don Torrisi as his Godfather, that boy will go far.
ISABELLA: They're happy because of the baby, Enzo, not my father. A brother for little Samuele. He brings joy to them. To everyone. I saw your face when you held him.
ENZO: That was fear. I've never held a baby before. I'm just glad I didn't drop him on his head.
ISABELLA: Do you think about us having a family, Enzo? One day?
ENZO: These days, I hardly get to see you. They feel long, endless us all do to get through them, one at a time?
ISABELLA: You picture it in your mind? The life we could have?
ENZO: Of course I do. Being married, living in our own home... I don't think about much else.
[They drive up to the city.]
ENZO: Sounds like really getting going!
ISABELLA: It will be! Oh, the streets will be closed off, but we can park around the back.
ANGELO: Buona festa!
ISABELLA: Buona festa, Angelo!
ANGELO: Your father's gone ahead to the church. Enzo, he said to tell you to escort Signorina Torrisi there.
[They get out of the car.]
ISABELLA: Come on, let's go!
ENZO: After you, Signorina Torrisi.
ISABELLA: Ah, it's the best day of the year.
ENZO: Nothing like a saint day to put everyone in a good mood.
ISABELLA: Did you have any? Before, I mean.
ENZO: We did. Even in that place. Nothing like this, though.
ISABELLA: There is nothing like ours. Who was your saint?
ENZO: Santa Barbara.
ISABELLA: That's why you have that tattoo?
ENZO: She kept us safe, brought us luck. Most of the time.
SAINT'S DAY PAMPHLET
San Celeste Annual Saint's Day Parade!
Graciously sponsored by Sig. Torrisi, of Torrisi Wine
April 12th - April 13th
A day of festivities to honor and celebrate our great martyr, Saint Celeste!
April 12th 1 p.m. - Procession starts at Chiesa di San Celeste, Saint Celeste statue carried through the streets to the Piazza Garibaldi
3 p.m. - Band plays in the Piazza Garibaldi
4 p.m. - Feast begins
6 p.m. - Band resumes
10 p.m. - Fireworks begin, best viewed from the outer city walls
April 13th 6 a.m. - Saint Celeste statue returned to the Chiesa di San Celeste at first light
10 a.m. - Mass held at the Chiesa di San Celeste and at the Chiesa del Santissimo Crocifisso
11 a.m. - Band procession begins, marching from Chiesa di San Celeste to the Piazza Garibaldi
12 p.m. - Relics carried from Chiesa di San Celeste
2 p.m. - Feast begins
8 p.m. - Relics returned to the Chiesa di San Celeste
ISABELLA: A baptism on a saint's day is good luck. My father must have called in some favors to get the church today.
ENZO: Well, Father Ciccone won't run out of Torrisi wine anytime soon.
ISABELLA: Good. Valentina and Luca are family.
ENZO: We could all use a little fuck especially with things as they are, and a celebration will so everybody good.
ISABELLA: Ah, looks like they're getting ready for the fight.
ENZO: There's a fight?
ISABELLA: All the young men want to carry San Celeste but only a few can, so they fight. My father did too, in his younger days.
ENZO: Did he win?
ISABELLA: I never saw him lose. He'd tear his clothes and get bloody but he didn't care. Merrily chanting and singing with the rest of them.
ENZO: Isabella?
ISABELLA: Sorry, I was just thinking... Can we talk?
ENZO: What's on your mind?
ISABELLA: What you said before, about us being married. You really believe we will be, one day?
ENZO: I know we will.
ISABELLA: Not where my father is. Not here
ENZO: Your father trusts me, respects me. Once I'm a man of standing, he'll give us his blessing.
ISABELLA: No. You don't know him as I do. I'll never be free to choose. And he'd never forgive you.
ENZO: I think I could change his mind. You'll see, in time. Let's not talk about this today.
CANTASTORIA: With my heart and my voice, I shall tell you a tale of a forbidden tryst and an impossible lover.
ISABELLA: I'd like to take a look at the stalls if we have time?
ENZO: As you wish.
ISABELLA: I meet you when I'm done.
[She leaves, and Enzo looks around the stalls, searching for something interesting as a gift for his beloved.]
VENDOR: Cassata! Cannoli! Something sweet, signore?
ENZO: No, grazie. Just looking.
CANTASTORIA: Drawn by the perfume, a Moor was stunned to see the maiden.
VENDOR: Caponata! Arancini! Signore! Take a look.
ENZO: Not today.
[He approaches a flower stall.]
VENDOR: They make the perfect gift. Perhaps something for your wife?
ENZO: Oh, she's not... I'll take that one.
VENDOR: A wonderful choice.
ENZO: Grazie.
CANTASTORIA: The pair spent blissful days together in the garden, with their love growing ever stronger. As their hearts became entwined, the thought of being apart became impossible.
ISABELLA: I'm sorry, for what I said before.
ENZO: Isabella, listen-
ISABELLA: No, I'm sorry, I didn't mean-
ENZO: Just listen, please. One day, Isabella Torrisi, it will be us in church, marrying in front of the world. I'll get your father's blessing. Until then-
[He takes a flower out of his pocket.]
ENZO: Take this and know I will be with you, always. That I will never give up on you. This is my vow. I swear it.
[Isabella weaves the flower into her hair. She is happy.]
ISABELLA: Oh, Enzo! It's beautiful. I've never felt... Thank you. I- ah, thank you! I won't ever give up on you either. I can't. I don't care what's against us. We'll find a way. I swear it. We'll find a way, Enzo. Now, we should go.
[They walk to the church.]
CANTASTORIA: The loves heads were turned into vases, and raised up the the garden. But they remained as ever side by side. The brother's soul never recovered from guilt, but our couple remained forever in the garden they'd built.
ROBERTO: There you are. They re about to start! Don't wait for me. I've got to make sure the photographer's ready.
[Entering the church, they are just in time for the baptism ceremony.]
FATHER CICCONE: My dear brothers and sisters, let us ask our Lord Jesus Christ to look lovingly on this child... Make the lives of his parents and godparents an example of faith to inspire this child... See that the divine life which God gives him is kept safe from the poison of sin... Behold, children are a heritage from on high, the fruit of the womb a reward... May he send his peace upon all who gather here, in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
[The whole family is photographed outside the church.]
PHOTOGRAPHER: Bene. One more.
LUCA: (to Enzo) Get yourself a girl, will be your son soon enough.
PHOTOGRAPHER: Signore, step forward.
[Suddenly, the man standing next to Enzo is killed by a rifle shot. It was Il Merlo standing in the bell tower; he missed Enzo because he moved forward.]
ENZO: Assassino!
LUCA: Go! Go!
DON TORRISI: Get inside! Spadaro bastards! On a holy day!
[Enzo helps Luca and his wife hide, and he goes to fight the shooter.]
ENZO: Luca- Keep them safe!
DON TORRISI: Find the gunman! I want his fucking head!
CESARE: I'll cover you.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Don Torrisi, stay there! I'm coming-
[Il Merlo kills him immediately.]
CESARE: Ciro! Minchia! You go get him, I'm right behind you! Careful, uncle! Enzo! I need to get over there! Follow me! Stay low! Up here, behind the stall! That bastard got Roberto. Whoever he is, he's a dead man. It's too far across the piazza. We won't make it.
[Hiding behind stalls, Enzo slowly advances towards the church.]
ENZO: People are getting hurt. We need to move.
CESARE: There! The cart! Help me push this. You can take cover behind it! Enzo, what're you doing?!
[They push a cart, using it as cover from the shots.]
ENZO: Let's get this figgh'i buttana!
CESARE: Once we're across the piazza, you make a run for the church. I'll cover you. Get to the tower.
[Despite the cover, Il Merlo still hits Cesare in the knee.]
CESARE: Ah! Minchia! Sucaminchia!
ENZO: Cesare!
CESARE: Get to the church! Go around. I'll make a distraction. Go! Agh! Hurry up!
BARTOLOMEO: Careful, signore!
CESARE: I shoot, you move! Down here bastaddu! The tower, Enzo! Go! I'll keep him busy!
[Finally, Enzo sneaks up on Il Merlo and wants to stab him, but he turns around. A fight breaks out.]
ENZO: Long way from the mine!
IL MERLO: As are you, carusu. Maybe it was fate that that bullet missed, huh? Now I get to kill you up close.
[A knife fight begins.]
ENZO: Sucaminchia!
[Luca appears, and Il Merlo decides to flee.]
LUCA: Enzo!
ENZO: I'll go after him, you cut him off on the ground!
[An adrenaline-fueled chase across roofs, through buildings and rooms with many people begins.]
LUCA: Stay on him! I'll get the family out of here!
IL MERLO: Don't come after me, carusu!
ENZO: You won't get away from me! Agh! Minchia!
IL MERLO: Ammazzulu. Now! I want him dead!
[However, Enzo kills a bandit with a rifle in mid-air and continues the chase.]
ENZO: Coward!
ENZO: A scusari signore! Allaschiti! Sorry, signora!
[Finally, the long chase ends - Il Merlo runs into a locked café door.]
IL MERLO: Argh!
ENZO: Nowhere left to go.
[The knife fight continues.]
ENZO: Have you lost your mind? There are women and children here.
IL MERLO: Your women. Your children. Cugghiuni!
[He runs away again, realizing he can't win. Enzo gives chase, but an accidentally opened shutter hits him on the head, and he falls from the roof onto the street and has to catch up with Il Merlo.]
ENZO: Merda! Agh!
ENZO: I'll kill you! You hear me? Your time is up, Damiano! This is over!
IL MERLO: You really think it's that easy?
[Ambushing Enzo, he jumps out of the window with him and runs away again...]
ENZO: Argh! Bastard! Aghh! Fuck! Agh... No...
LUCA: Enzo!
ENZO: He's getting away...
LUCA: No, he's not. Here, take this!
[He gives Enzo a pistol.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: I've got him!
[After killing several bandits on the street, Enzo finds a horse. Il Merlo drives away in a car.]
ENZO: I'm going after him!
ENZO: I've got you now... You're mine.
[However, in the crazy chase, Il Merlo doesn't notice a truck coming from the opposite direction and crashes into it, flying out of the car.]
ENZO: Cristo... Better make sure he's dead. Where are you? I'm not leaving until I see your corpse. No more running, huh?
[At that moment, Il Merlo jumps out of the overturned car and knocks Enzo off his feet.]
IL MERLO: I should've buried you a long time ago, carusu.
ENZO: You can try. But you'll end up with your brother.
[The final knife fight begins.]
IL MERLO: Figgh'i buttana! I know you killed him!
ENZO: You know nothing!
[He wins and stabs the knife into Il Merlo's side, then kicks him to the ground and flips him over to deliver the final blow.]
ENZO: Beaten by a mine boy... This... ends now!
[Meanwhile, Il Merlo picks up some piece of metal from the ground and stabs Enzo in the leg.]
IL MERLO: Yes...
[He starts to strangle Enzo until Luca shoots him in the head. Getting up from the ground, Enzo spits on Il Merlo's corpse.]
ENZO: You saved me. Again.
LUCA: Enzo...
[Enzo leans on his friend, and they leave.]
XI - MATTANZA
[Some time passes. Don Torrisi visits Don Galante.]DON GALANTE: Hey, Bernardo.
DON TORRISI: Niccolò.
[He kisses Don Galante on the cheeks but not the Baron, who merely spread his arms.]
BARON FONTANELLA: Thank you for coming.
DON TORRISI: So, what is the urgent matter you wish to discuss, Raffaele?
BARON FONTANELLA: What all of Sicily is talking about.
DON TORRISI: You have a problem with how I conduct my affairs?
BARON FONTANELLA: How you 'conduct your affairs'? There is blood in the streets. This war with Spadaro, it's gone too far.
DON TORRISI: You do not tell me what is too far.
BARON FONTANELLA: Don't forget your position. My family has owned this land for generations.
[Don Torrisi moves closer and says quietly.]
DON TORRISI: Who has kept it that way?
BARON FONTANELLA: Forgery. Arson. Murder. There's talk of sending a Prefect from Rome to fight the mafia. If that happens, our problems worsen tenfold.
DON TORRISI: I sense you've come to regret our association.
BARON FONTANELLA: My commitment is firm. But this bloodshed, it has to stop.
[Don Torrisi gets up from his chair and raises his voice slightly.]
DON TORRISI: Spadaro attacked my family. He put you in ruin. Cowardice is repaid in misery.
DON GALANTE: But what is the cost? The cost of acting in anger? Spadaro, sto strunz. He seeks to provoke, Bernardo. He expects you to fight.
DON TORRISI: What would you have me do?
BARON FONTANELLA: Come to the table. Negotiate.
DON GALANTE: Spadaro, he knows only force. Keep fighting and there will be no spoils at the end of this war. Settle a peace, and there will be ways to win.
BARON FONTANELLA: What if something happens to you? What kind of future would you leave Isabella? And what of our plan to join our families? If everything burns along the way, then all of that ambition is for nothing.
[Don Torrisi ponders the words said.]
DON TORRISI: What makes you think Spadaro would stop now?
BARON FONTANELLA: Spadaro's losing money, as we all are. And I'm sure he shares your distaste for the authorities. If I can get Spadaro to come to the table, would you consider it?
DON TORRISI: I'll meet. Neutral ground. The usual place.
BARON FONTANELLA: This is progress.
DON GALANTE: Speak to Spadaro. If he's willing, set up a meeting. My family will mediate and guarantee safety. Now, Bernardo, vieni, vieni. Have a drink, huh?
DON TORRISI: Not today.
[He leaves.]
Villa Torrisi
MEETING DAY
ISABELLA: Enzo, come in.
ENZO: I don't have long.
[They kiss passionately.]
ISABELLA: I haven't seen you in weeks! I can't sleep, wondering if you're alive or dead.
ENZO: This war with Spadaro, it'll be over soon.
ISABELLA: A long time ago, you told me you can choose who you are. Is this your choice? How you want life to be?
ENZO: Isabella, your father trusts me now. I'll ask him soon, for his permission. We can be together.
ISABELLA: I love you, Enzo. But I cannot live in my father's world. Not anymore. There's something else.
[A car is already honking outside, waiting for Enzo.]
ENZO: What do you mean?
CESARE: Enzo, come on! Hurry up!
ISABELLA: Find me later. We need to talk.
ENZO: Mi dispiace.
[He kisses his beloved and runs off.]
[Enzo goes down to Cesare.]
ENZO: Hey...
CESARE: What? Did I wake you? Go find Luca. We're leaving soon.
[Enzo searches the villa for Luca.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Sitting with Spadaros? After what they did? Doesn't sit right with me.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: It's that or more bloodshed. Things need to change.
LUCA: There's nothing for you to worry about.
VALENTINA: Don't say that. I'm not blind, Luca.
LUCA: Valentina...
VALENTINA: You have a son. A baby.
LUCA: We've been here before. Things will settle down. You will see.
[Enzo approaches closer.]
LUCA: Hey.
ENZO: Didn't mean to interrupt.
VALENTINA: You didn't. I was just leaving.
LUCA: Minchia. You have all this to look forward to when you're married, Enzo. Everyone's ready?
ENZO: I think so.
LUCA: Then we'd better go. Listen, Enzo. Don Galante's the level head we need right now. He'll bring about a compromise.
ENZO: Compromise, with Spadaro?
LUCA: This vendettas personal for you, I know.
ENZO: It's personal for all of us. Look around you.
[They walk towards the villa's exit and meet Tino.]
LUCA: Tino.
TINO: What time is it? Aren't you supposed to be kissing Spadaro's backside around now?
LUCA: We have to talk this out.
TINO: Talk. Look where that got us before.
LUCA: I take it you're not coming?
TINO: I'll never speak with that figgh'i buttana again.
LUCA: Remember, Enzo. This thing, it's a business. Everything else getting out of hand stops it working. So, unless you want to be scraping by on your last lire come winter, we have a choice to make.
DON TORRISI: There you are. Enzo, you're driving. Let's get going.
[Everyone gets into the car, and Enzo steps on the gas.]
ENZO: Where we going?
LUCA: The tonnara. Big tuna factory on the other side of Porto Almaro.
CESARE: Minchia, why do we have to meet all the way out there?
LUCA: Because when matters get out of hand, that is where we talk.
DON TORRISI: It's neutral ground. The tonnara was Michele's business. You should know all this. How many times did I take you there?
CESARE: Nobody ever told me.
DON TORRISI: You know, if you had brains you'd be dangerous.
[They drive in silence for a while.]
ENZO: Who is Michele? If it's alright to ask?
LUCA: Michele was a good friend of ours. Leo's father. He died a long time ago.
CESARE: He was killed, you mean.
DON TORRISI: At least this he remembers. Michele was killed. And after that, Don Galante and I sat down with his murderers at the tonnara, and we made peace.
CESARE: And look where that got us.
DON TORRISI: Keep your opinions to yourself. There's more to this life than killing and retribution. You'd do well to remember that.
ENZO: Was that how the last war ended?
LUCA: That's enough for now, Enzo.
DON TORRISI: Tell him what happened, Luca. There should be no secrets between us.
LUCA: Alright. This whole thing started about twenty years ago. Back then, we were a smaller outfit. We worked for Fontanella's father, protecting his properties, collecting rent, that kind of thing.
DON TORRISI: The older Fontanella. That was some kind of man! If he had lived a few years longer, this whole thing might have been avoided.
LUCA: The old man died suddenly.
DON TORRISI: Yes, under his comare. She was so fat, she broke his ribs. I had to tell the coroner that he'd been kicked by a horse, just to spare his dignity.
CESARE: Wonder if Gennaro knows how his grandfather died.
DON TORRISI: I doubt it. And you won't breathe a word of it to anyone.
LUCA: Then everything changed. The new Baron Fontanella, our good friend, sold half of his share of the sulfur mine and moved to Palermo. He left Don Torrisi in control of this land.
DON TORRISI: Which would have made for a good end to this story, except his new partners brought in their own men, from their operation in Agrigento.
LUCA: Spadaro and Bastoni. Men of honor both, but not like us.
DON TORRISI: That is an understatement. Thugs, with no code, no discipline, no tradition.
LUCA: We showed them respect. We even worked together on a few things. But more and more we saw them pushing out from Collezolfo, and onto our territory.
ENZO: How did the war start?
DON TORRISI: The small matter of a bench, if you can believe it.
LUCA: Some of our boys were up in San Celeste to watch the palio. They got into an argument with some cugghiuni from Collezolfo, over a bench overlooking the track. Found three of them the next day, their throats cut, and dumped in the river. I had to tell their mothers.
DON TORRISI: And just like that, we were at war. It had been years coming. It was savage, brutal, not like anything we'd ever seen. Dozens died, on both sides.
ENZO: What happened to Leo's father? Michele, his wife, and two sons all died. Only Leone survived, because he was staying with his grandfather ahead of a hunting trip.
LUCA: Michele was a good man, an honorable man. Even Spadaro knew it. That's what brought him to the negotiating table.
ENZO: So after all that you made peace and that was it?
LUCA: Not exactly.
DON TORRISI: Bastoni had gone too far, and we agreed that he had to pay for what he'd done.
LUCA: And he did.
DON TORRISI: I put his eyes out with Michele's knife.
CESARE: I don't think any good can come of this.
LUCA: You're not here to think, Cesare. We'll settle this, same as we did before.
CESARE: Did Spadaro attack on a saint's day back then? Did he work with the law? He's not the same man.
LUCA: What do you know about things back then? You were a boy.
DON TORRISI: Enough! I have too much on my mind having to meet with that bastard without you bickering. I need to think.
[The car stops somewhere outside the city.]
LUCA: Cesare, you're to stay outside.
CESARE: What? Why?
LUCA: Look, I need someone I trust out here, u capisti? Keep the engine running.
[They go to the meeting. There are many armed men around.]
LEO: Don Torrisi.
DON TORRISI: Leone.
LEO: Don Spadaro arrived a little while ago. He's waiting inside, with my grandfather.
DON TORRISI: Then let's join them. I have no desire to spend a minute more in that man's company than I need to.
LEO: Please, follow me. I hope my grandfather can help settle this matter today.
DON TORRISI: Your grandfather has agreed to host this meeting. I've agreed to talk, nothing more.
LEO: Respectfully, Don Torrisi, with this war, we all suffer. I hope you can find a way to end this.
TONNARA TEMPORARY CLOSURE
15th May
TO ALL EMPLOYEES,
Fratelli Galante will be closed tomorrow for maintenance work.
Regular shifts will resume on Friday. You will be compensated for any shifts missed.
The mattanza is a busy season, so when shifts resume everyone is responsible for clearing any buildup.
Your foreman, Signor Gazoli, will address everyone on Friday about new workloads.
ENZO: Spadaros everywhere.
LUCA: I already told you. Set that aside for today.
ENZO: You really see this working?
LUCA: This is how things get settled. For better or worse, the war can't go on.
LEO: They're just inside here.
DON TORRISI: Enzo, get the door.
[They enter the building, coming to the negotiation table. Don Galante sits at the head.]
DON GALANTE: Old friend, vieni, vieni. Please. Now, we know why we are meeting, so let's get on with it, huh?
DON TORRISI: Despite misgivings, I'm here on the promise to find a settlement.
DON SPADARO: Too much blood has been spilled.
DON TORRISI: Because you broke your word. And because you can't control your men.
DON SPADARO: Are you asking for my protection?
DON TORRISI: I've seen how things turn out for those that you look after.
DON GALANTE: Let's dispense with the recriminations, shall we?
DON SPADARO: War's bad for business. You want a settlement? We have a proposal.
DON TORRISI: We?
BARON FONTANELLA: Please. Hear him out.
DON TORRISI: What is this?
DON SPADARO: Fontanella's selling up, Torrisi. His stake in the mine. Prospecting and water rights of the valley on the east side. Including his vineyard, which you've taken as your home.
[Don Torrisi leans forward, slightly raising his voice.]
DON TORRISI: I ask again. What is this?
BARON FONTANELLA: I have been left with no choice.
DON SPADARO: I'll offer market rate for your remaining holdings. As a mark of respect.
DON TORRISI: You can't be serious?
BARON FONTANELLA: Bernardo, please. Don't stand in the way of progress.
DON TORRISI: Progress?
BARON FONTANELLA: Progress.
[Don Torrisi is starting to get angry.]
DON TORRISI: And what happens when the land is stripped bare? How will you line your pockets then, huh? No, this is an affront!
DON SPADARO: It's an opening position. I see it's not been very well received. The Baron and I must confer. We may have a more agreeable alternative.
[Spadaro and the Baron step aside to discuss some details.]
DON TORRISI: Did you know about this?
DON GALANTE: No, this is the first I've heard of it.
BARON FONTANELLA: I think I can convince him. Let me give him one more chance.
DON SPADARO: No.
[They leave... and one of the bandits shoots Don Galante in the head. They are positioned in the upper part of the factory and are shooting at the trapped men of Don Torrisi.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Don Galante!
ENZO: Move, move!
LUCA: Down!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Down! Get down!
[Luca manages to lift the table to protect the Don but gets shot in the side and falls to the floor. Other bandits start returning fire.]
LUCA: Enzo!
[He throws him his pistol.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Shit! Vincenzo!
LUCA: The walkway! They're shooting from above!
ENZO: Stay down! Keep the Don covered!
DON TORRISI: Take them out, Enzo!
ENZO: Stay behind something!
DON TORRISI: We're trapped here!
LUCA: Bernardo, I'm hit.
DON TORRISI: Where?
LUCA: My arm... My chest.
ENZO: You're hit?!
DON TORRISI: Let me see. Shit.
ENZO: Luca?!
DON TORRISI: Enzo, focus! (to Luca) Keep pressure on it.
LUCA: Minchia!
DON TORRISI: Those fucking bastards!
LUCA: It doesn't look good.
DON TORRISI: No, no. I've seen a lot worse. You'll be alright.
ENZO: He'll be okay?!
DON TORRISI: Enzo, hurry! We have to move! Enzo! Get over here, quickly..
ENZO: That's all of them. There'll be more outside.
[Don Torrisi throws Luca over his shoulder.]
DON TORRISI: Enzo, you're going to clear a path. Shoot straight. Don't hesitate. We have to reach Cesare.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You're going straight to hell, bastaddu!
DON TORRISI: Where the hell are our men?!
ENZO: Stay back! Let me handle this!
DON TORRISI: We're pinned! Do something, Enzo! Kill those bastards!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Fuck! They got out! Don't let them escape!
DON TORRISI: Get us out of this, Enzo! Take them out!
ENZO: Quickly, this way! Through here!
[Enzo kills all the attackers and notices that most of his family's men are also dead.]
ENZO: Minchia... All of them. Dead.
DON TORRISI: Cesare... Do you see Cesare?!
ENZO: I don't see him!
DON TORRISI: Then he's still out there... Let me check on Luca, then we find Cesare. And we all get out of here.
LUCA: How bad is it?
DON TORRISI: You're alright. Lot of fight left in you.
ENZO: We're dead if we don't find a way out.
DON TORRISI: So find one! We're making it out here.
[Enzo exits the factory grounds and immediately almost gets shot. A sniper is hiding in the distance.]
LEO: Get down! Up top, you see him? Work see him? Work your way around. I'll cover you.
ENZO: Thank God you're alive!
LEO: Where are the others?!
ENZO: Luca's been shot! Have you seen Cesare?!
LEO: I've seen no-one! That fucker has me pinned down, and I'm out of ammo. You need to clear him out!
ENZO: I got him!
LEO: Well, there's more of them! Keep them off me, Enzo, I'm out of bullets!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You and your friend are dead!
ENZO: Don't waste your breath...
LEO: Shit, more of them!
ENZO: I've got you covered!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Look out! Sniper!
ENZO: Strunzu!
LEO: Is that all you've got?
[They kill all of Spadaro's bandits. The Don approaches with Luca in his arms.]
DON TORRISI: Leone! Where's Enzo?!
LEO: Luca... Madunnuzza!
LUCA: Where's Cesare? The car?
DON TORRISI: Leone, this is your father's place. How do we get out?!
LEO: Uh, right right... Si, si... There's a side exit, through here. Maybe it's clear.
ENZO: Leo, your grandfather...
LEO: I know you wouldn't have left him behind.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Torrisi, he's here! Take him out!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We've got them cornered. They're going nowhere.
[Finally, they manage to reach the truck alive.]
ENZO: Cesare!
CESARE: Get in!
ENZO: Cesare! Grazie a Dio! Everyone, with me! We're getting out of here!
[He jumps into the back to help pull Luca in.]
ENZO: Turn him around.
LUCA: Easy! You want to finish the job?
[They drive away sharply. Two of Spadaro's men try to shoot at the car but unsuccessfully.]
CESARE: Where to?
LEO: Porto Almaro! Hole up in the bar!
[The Don hands Enzo a rifle.]
DON TORRISI: They'll follow. Get back there. Don't let them get close.
[Enzo shoots at the approaching cars. It's getting dark outside, and the cars emerge from the darkness with burning yellow-red headlights.]
CESARE: Luca... Bedda Matri! How is he?
DON TORRISI: He's a warrior! He's suffered worse. You just get us out of here in one piece. Enzo! That's more of them on our tail!
ENZO: I'm on it!
LEO: Spadaro sent everyone at us. The fucker will pay for what he did to my grandfather.
CESARE: Niccolò? Lla na mazzari! Oh, he'll pay alright!
LUCA: If this goes bad... Valentina, the boys... Look after them.
DON TORRISI: You'll look after them yourself. You're going to be fine, Luca.
CESARE: Keep them off us, Enzo! They're blocking the road!
DON TORRISI: Drive steady!
CESARE: Want to get there comfortable or alive?
LUCA: Damn it. What happened to the road?
DON TORRISI: Hold it together. We're almost out of this.
CESARE: More of them on us!
DON TORRISI: We're nearly there. We'll get you inside, get a doctor.
LUCA: Yes... A doctor...
[They stop at a bar.]
ENZO: Forza. Andiamo.
LEO: I have him. Come on.
[Luca is carefully led away, and at that moment, Spadaro's men's cars pull up.]
DON TORRISI: Nobody makes it inside this bar. U capisti?
ENZO: We'll take care of it. Get him inside.
CESARE: Come on.
ENZO: They're not giving up. They came all the way here!
CESARE: And they'll regret it. We don't leave a single one alive!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Finish the job!
ENZO: How many of these fottuti bastaddi are there?
CESARE: Stay on them! That's the last of them, for now.
ENZO: Let's get inside. Open up!
CESARE: They're gone.
ENZO: Luca!
LEO: Here, hold this. Put pressure on it. There's morphine, upstairs. The girls will show you.
LUCA: Where's the doctor?
ENZO: He's coming. You'll be alright, okay? You're alright. Resisti Luca, tranquillo.
[With his last breath, Luca says...]
LUCA: God forgive me... Enzo... Enzo, look at me. Get out... if you can. Get out.
ENZO: Luca. Luca. Luca. Luca! Luca! Luca!
[But he is already dead. The Don, devastated by the loss, looks away.]
CESARE: I've got it. I've got-
ENZO: Luca, svegliati!
[Cesare just crosses himself. Time passes. Enzo is lying in his apartment bed but can't sleep. He hears the sound of a car pulling up. Enzo takes a pistol and goes to the door.]
ENZO: Who is it?
ENRICO: Enrico. Open up.
ENZO: What do you want?
ENRICO: The Don needs to see you.
ENZO: About what?
ENRICO: That's between you and him. I'm just the messenger.
ENZO: You go on ahead. I'll get my things.
ENRICO: We'll be outside. Hurry up, will you?
[Enzo goes to the closet to get dressed. He is clearly on edge after everything that happened.]
ISABELLA'S PLEA
Why won't you talk to me about what happened? You were nearly killed. We all could have been. Ever since, you've been looking over your shoulder. Nothing my father asks you to do is worth risking your life.
I'm tired of this so-called business you are lost in. Seeing Luca and Valentina together, with their family. This is what I want, for us.
Every time you leave, I'm afraid you won't come back and that future will never be ours.
I love you,
Isabella
[He leaves the apartment.]
NEIGHBOR: What is all the noise about at this hour?
CESARE: Back inside, lady. This doesn't concern you.
NEIGHBOR: Sorry about her, signore. Doesn't see so well anymore, she gets startled...
CESARE: Swear I could feel eyes on me the whole way here... How are you doing?
ENZO: How do you think? All of this... It's hell.
CESARE: Did you manage to get some sleep?
ENZO: My eyes were closed. Don't know if you'd call it sleeping.
[They mount their horses.]
CESARE: At least it's quiet here. Feels like I've been awake for days.
ENZO: We're riding?
CESARE: It's safer this way. We can take the back roads. Keep your eyes open. Those bastards could be hiding anywhere. Tino's got men posted up on the roads in case they try to come and finish the job.
ENZO: Smart. Spadaro must smell blood.
CESARE: Him and that figgh'i buttana Fontanella. If they try it, they're not getting in easy. Tino's got the whole place set up like a garrison.
ENZO: You've seen this before, in ninety-six.
CESARE: Not like this. I was a kid, and nobody tried to kill a Don back then. No, this is something else.
ENZO: The Don sent you out here, alone?
CESARE: He's keeping things close. Doesn't want anyone else involved. Just you and me.
ENZO: You know what this is about?
CESARE: He didn't give me the details, but it's a job. Something big.
ENZO: A job? Now?
CESARE: What? If he asked us to go and bury every last Spadaro, after what they did, would you say no?
ENZO: No. It's not that... It's...
CESARE: Good, because we're the only ones he trusts. If he needs something done, we do it. Together.
FARMER: Minchia! Damn crows pick the land clean.
FARMER: All these early mornings are killing me.
FARMER: You'd rather work late into the night?
CESARE: You know what this means, with Luca gone? I'm going to have to step up, do the right thing for the family.
ENZO: Right.
CESARE: Not the way I wanted it, but we have to answer when called. And be ready for whatever comes next.
ENZO: I can't think about that now.
CESARE: Well, someone has to. The Don needs us, both of us. It makes sense me taking Luca's spot, but you have to be with me.
ENZO: I'm here aren't I?
CESARE: It's a lot of responsibility, but I can grow into it. That's what they say happens.
ENZO: Dealing with Tino every day?
CESARE: Hey, he's kept things going up there. And he's not as bad as I used to think. Yeah, me, my uncle, and Tino at the top. That's how it'll have to be. And we'll need you, too, of course.
[They ride closer to the Torrisi villa.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Thank God it's just you.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: What? You worried the whole Spadaro Clan would've been on their tail?
ENZO: Just feels wrong to even think about... To do anything. Without Luca.
CESARE: Keep expecting him to walk into the room, break my balls for sitting around... Never thought I'd miss that.
[They ride onto the villa grounds.]
CESARE: Don's waiting inside. Let's leave the horses with Gaspare.
GASPARE: Any trouble?
CESARE: No. We kept off the main roads. Alright, my uncle's waiting in the cellar. Let's go.
ENZO: And Luca... he's in there?
CESARE: They're keeping him here 'til the burial. Valentina doesn't want to take him home to the children. Not sure know yet.
ENZO: Maybe I should go see her?
CESARE: You can't do anything for her. Leave her be. We have business. You know I've never seen my uncle like this... He has something dark, behind his eyes. He's in here. Ready?
[Catching their breath, they enter through the massive wooden door of the wine cellar. The Don is standing over Luca's body, wrapped in a white shroud.]
CESARE: He's here, uncle.
DON TORRISI: Good. You did good. Sit.
[Cesare wants to sit down, but the Don stops him.]
DON TORRISI: Not you.
CESARE: But-
DON TORRISI: I've something to discuss with Enzo.
CESARE: I-
DON TORRISI: I won't say it again.
[Cesare leaves.]
DON TORRISI: Now, sit.
Betrayal burns because it can only come from someone close. An enemy can't hurt you like a friend. In hell, the lowest circle is reserved for sinners guilty of treachery. Fontanella's made a choice. And Spadaro won't stop now; he can't. All that I have... all that we have, will be lost. Unless we do what they can't expect.
ENZO: I'd do anything. For Luca, for this family.
DON TORRISI: I know you would. Word has reached me that they're settling their deal, in Palermo tonight. Out in the open, at the opera. Just another gentleman's agreement! Those snakes think that I'm finished. That they've nothing to fear in the city. That they'd be so certain is an insult! We have a friend in Palermo. He can get you where you need to go.
ENZO: I make those bastards pay... And then?
DON TORRISI: Then... Do what you must to make it back here. For your loyalty, this family will owe you a great debt.
[The Don puts a hand on Enzo's shoulder. He thinks hard about his words.]
DON TORRISI: Go meet the driver. He'll take you to Palermo. Our friend will get you into the Opera House. And close the door. I'll stay with Luca a while longer.
[Enzo exits the cellar and is immediately grabbed by Isabella and shoved into the opposite room. She is wearing a black funeral dress.]
ENZO: What are you doing down here?
ISABELLA: What is he asking you to do?
ENZO: Answer my question.
ISABELLA: Answer mine.
ENZO: I need to take care of something. I won't be gone for long.
ISABELLA: I'm sure that's what Luca told Valentina. Let me guess, he wants you to go alone?
ENZO: I can handle myself, Isabella.
[He wants to put his hand on her shoulder, but she pulls away.]
ENZO: I have to do this, for Luca.
ISABELLA: There's nothing you can do for Luca. Luca is gone. He died for my father, for his honor. I won't let you do the same. Enzo... I'm pregnant. I need you here, with me.
ENZO: I have no choice. Your father is...
ISABELLA: This would've been an easy decision for the man I thought you were.
[She leaves in a hurry.]
ENZO: Merda!
[He goes outside and walks to the cart.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Seen anything yet?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Nothing. Doesn't mean they're not coming. Are you changing over?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Soon as Bruno's awake. Don't know how he can sleep at a time like this...
CESARE: You keeping me waiting?
DRIVER: You want to be there on time, we need to get moving.
ENZO: I'm ready to go. What happens when we get to Palermo?
DRIVER: We're going to meet a friend of the family. He'll get you into the Opera House, quietly.
ENZO: Understood.
DRIVER: Guardie will be all over the city. A lot of unrest right now. Anarchists, violence... So we get in, you do your job, then we get out. That clear?
ENZO: Certo.
DRIVER: Then let's go. You can ride up front until we get closer.
[The cart slowly moves towards the city.]
XII - LA FORZA DEL DESTINO
[Night falls in the city. The camera descends from the night sky onto the city's cobbled street, showing us a slice of everyday life.]Man: Close the window, would you? It's starting to rain.
Woman: Give me a minute.
Man: Hurry up!
[She drops some of the clothes she is hanging out.]
Woman: Now, look.
Man: How is that my fault?
[The cart drives right over the clothes that flew out of the window.]
NEWSPAPER SELLER: La Gazzetta di Palermo! Anarchist terror reaches new heights. Radicals target the government, industry, the rich, the powerful. Where will this peril strike next?
[Many rich and noble people arrive in the city.]
BARON FONTANELLA: Don Spadaro...
[He wants to hug Spadaro, but he just puts his hands on his hips.]
DON SPADARO: Was coming here really necessary?
BARON FONTANELLA: One has to keep up appearances.
DON SPADARO: We're wasting time. I will finish what we started. You will stop stalling, and sign Torrisi's land over to me. Only then will you have your money. Have I misunderstood our arrangement?
BARON FONTANELLA: Perhaps there is another way...
DON SPADARO: The time for second thoughts has long since passed Barone. Where I come from, commitment means everything. We are bound together, from now until the end.
[He puts his hand on the Baron's shoulder, but he carefully removes it.]
DON SPADARO: Cameriere! Bring me a bottle. Something expensive.
[Meanwhile, Enzo secretly enters the city in a cart. He looks at that same Empire Bay postcard and thinks grimly.]
DRIVER: Oh, fermo, fermo.
[The cart stops, and Enzo gets out, taking a box for cover. A priest opens the door for him.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: You've travelled far, my son. But you've made good time.
ENZO: A gift, from Don Torrisi. For your congregation.
[The box turns out to contain wine and a lot of money.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: All things considered, I think the Don has underestimated the size of my flock. But that is for me and my old friend to worry about. Come on.
[He takes the bribe and continues with Enzo.]
ENZO: Where are we going?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Away from prying eyes. The streets are crawling with guardie.
ENZO: I saw. Will they be a problem?
[They go down to the basement.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: With the anarchist attacks, no public event takes place without a police presence. Not the best time for an evening at the opera.
ENZO: I wouldn't be here if there was another option. But you have a way in? Unseen?
FATHER CLEMENTE: There are hidden pathways under Palermo that connect to the sewers. This is how you'll enter the Opera House.
ENZO: Sewers?
FATHER CLEMENTE: What? Thought you'd be walking in the back door? This way. Down here rest the dead of this city. The fortunate are preserved so that we may remember them. The rest are not so lucky. Either way, we are all just bones in the end. Our path lay beyond here. Come, move these out of the way.
ENZO: A priest with secret passages in his cellar...
FATHER CLEMENTE: I have not always been a priest. Come, this way.
ENZO: Are you... a friend of Don Torrisi?
FATHER CLEMENTE: I have commitments made a long time ago, that I will honor 'til my last day. You understand.
SMUGGLER'S MESSAGE
C,
I followed the water flow, past the cistern and toward the centre of the city, just as you said.
There was no sign of you at the meeting point. I waited all night, but the rain is getting heavy, the water rising.
Do you know what it cost me to come here? What I risked for this? The deal is off. I already have another buyer lined up.
Don’t contact me again.
-S
ENZO: What is this place?
FATHER CLEMENTE: These are the qanats. Ancient waterways that run under the city.
ENZO: Does anyone else know about these?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Smugglers, anarchists... Those of us who have business that can't be conducted in the open. It would seem the Baron's sins have caught up with him.
ENZO: You know who I'm here for.
FATHER CLEMENTE: He made his choices, as we must. You should be warned, him and his guest will be heavily guarded. Avoiding detection is your only hope. Someone must have come through here. This should be open.
ENZO: Anyone we need to worry about?
FATHER CLEMENTE: No one down here is interested in our affairs. The gate opens from the other side. You'll need to go under.
ENZO: Merda...
FATHER CLEMENTE: Down there. There should be space for you to get through.
ENZO: Water's rising down here.
FATHER CLEMENTE: The storm's getting heavier. Watch how you tread.
[Enzo finds a dilapidated skeleton.]
ENZO: Cristo... What happened to you?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Over here! Raise the gate!
FATHER CLEMENTE: Good. Let's keep moving.
ENZO: Father - may I ask you a question? Is it a sin to choose happiness over duty?
FATHER CLEMENTE: We all have many obligations, but we only find joy in the path the Lord has set for us.
[Voices are heard from afar... voices that shouldn't be here.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: Wait! What was that? You go ahead and investigate. If they catch us now, it's over.
GUARDIA: Hey! There's no one up here. Can we move on?
GUARDIA: Not yet. Have to check meter by meter. Could be explosives, like in Naples.
ENZO: Merda!
GUARDIA: Minchia... Stinks like shit....
GUARDIA: Sooner we search it, sooner we can go home. Find Donati, he should be here already.
GUARDIA: Yes, sir.
GUARDIA: Donati, are you back here? Trust him to wander off...
[Enzo quietly and carefully strangles the policemen.]
GUARDIA: No sign of anything down here. Wasting our time...
GUARDIA: Those are the orders. Opera's a prime target.
GUARDIA: That's five of us off the streets, chasing shadows.
[Enzo kills the entire police squad, strangling them one by one.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: You're aware mercy is a virtue?
ENZO: They got in the way, Father. Forgive me.
FATHER CLEMENTE: Bodies aren't even cold and he asks for forgiveness... That ladder leads to the basement of the Opera House. Listen carefully. The performance still has a way to go. The Baron will be seated in the Royal Box.
ENZO: Where is that?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Opposite the stage, second floor. Just keep heading up. And you must approach in silence. If the guardie are alerted, the Baron will be gone.
ENZO: Thank you, Padre.
FATHER CLEMENTE: May the Lord guide you onward.
[Enzo climbs the stairs and gets out by moving the manhole cover. He continues to quietly sneak through the opera house, as it is also packed with police.]
GUARDIA: Signore, you can't be back here.
ACTOR: What do you mean? This is our dressing room. There are no anarchists here!
GUARDIA: Just do as you're told and move. Get changed somewhere else.
LA FORZA DEL DESTINO SCRIPT
MARQUIS
Vile seducer! Shameless daughter!
LEONORA (running and throwing herself at his feet)
No, father -
MARQUIS
I am your father no more.
DON ALVARO (to the Marquis)
I alone am the guilty one. (baring his chest) Strike - have your revenge -
MARQUIS (to Don Alvaro)
No, your conduct shows the baseness of your origins -
DON ALVARO
Sir!
MARQUIS (to Leonora)
Stand aside. (to the servants) Arrest the scoundrel.
DON ALVARO (redrawing his pistol)
Whoever moves shall die.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR NIGHT WATCH
City of Palermo - Corpo Reale Di Polizia Notice
16th May 1907
For the attention of all officers on duty at the Teatro dell’opera di Sicilia.
As you are aware, you have been assigned to safeguard the building from anarchist attacks.
There are several special guests in attendance for the evening performance of the 17th May. We must ensure they are protected at all costs.
Contessa Merisa and Signor Massimo Pecerelli are seated in the East Balcony and will have two officers with them at all times throughout the night.
Baron Fontanella di San Celeste will be seated with his guest, Ruggero Spadaro, in the Royal Box. They have requested that officers remain outside of the box, and we must honor this.
If you see anything suspicious, or encounter any problem, report it up the chain of command immediately.
Colonnello Morici
GUARDIA: Apparently Baron Fontanella has a guest this evening in the Royal Box. Some rough looking fellow.
GUARDIA: At least he hasn't brought that insufferable son of his.
ACTOR: She knows no Latin, but she can cook. Let the student say grace. Then let us, too, kneel in prayer. Can't get into character with the guardie breathing down my neck...
ACTRESS: Be grateful. They're here to protect us.
ACTOR: Protect us? Ha! If there was an attack, we'd be thrown to the wolves so they could protect the rich out there.
GUARDIA: Final warning. Move on. No access beyond this point.
THEATERGOER: What do you mean? I paid good money for these seats!
GUARDIA: With the recent attacks, we've closed off these boxes for official use. It's for your safety, of course.
GUARDIA: Rich bastards never worked a day in their lives...
DRUNK THEATERGOER: I was told there would be food... There's only music... So much music... Boo! Booo!
GUARDIA: Signore, any more disturbances and you'll need to leave.
DRUNK THEATERGOER: Me? Disturb anyone? Ridiculous accusations... No, no...
GUARDIA: Keep an eye on him... And don't let him near the bar.
GUARDIA: You need to leave. This is strictly a guardie operation.
SECURITY: We've been paid to be here. Don Spadaro's private security.
GUARDIA: He should have informed us this would be the case.
SECURITY: You got a problem, take it up with the boss himself. He'll be back soon.
[Finally, after passing through countless corridors of the opera house, Enzo manages to reach the special box where the Baron is seated. Enzo sneaks up behind him and grabs him, putting a knife to his throat.]
ENZO: Your greed saw a saw a good man die. People mourn him. Who the fuck will grieve for you?
[In a rage, he presses the knife too hard, and blood drips from the Baron's neck onto a theatergoer's shoulder. Suddenly, Spadaro enters. Enzo immediately slits the Baron's throat and throws his corpse into the auditorium, only realizing a moment later what he has done.]
DON SPADARO: You! Get in there now!
[Spadaro calls for guards. Panic and shooting break out in the theater. Enzo follows Spadaro to finish him off.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Go! Go!
SECURITY: You're dead!
SECURITY: You won't get away with this, you bastard!
DON SPADARO: Kill that bastaddu!
ENZO: I'll end you, Spadaro!
DON SPADARO: He's coming after me! Stop him!
ENZO: Where are you running? Fucking coward!
SECURITY: This'll keep him back!
DON SPADARO: Hit him with everything! Burn in hell, carusu!
ENZO: Agh! Minchia! Cristo!
[He furiously pursues Spadaro into a cellar that is engulfed in flames, fighting a dozen bandits along the way. Skillfully wielding a shotgun, Enzo eliminates them one by one.]
DON SPADARO: Don't let him follow!
[He descends into the sewer. Enzo follows him, blocking the way behind him to prevent anyone from coming from the rear.]
DON SPADARO: Cugghiuni! You don't give up! I should have known Torrisi would send his favorite pet. You'll die for your loyalty, carusu. Your boss won't care. You'll be right at home down here, mine rat!
ENZO: You can't run Spadaro. Not from what you've done.
[As Enzo walks through a narrow, flooded passage, Spadaro jumps out from around the corner but misses Enzo.]
DON SPADARO: Merda!
ENZO: That was your chance, bastaddu!
DON SPADARO: You'll regret this, mine rat! Kill him! Let him rot down here!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You're not going any further!
DON SPADARO: Kill him! Let him rot down here!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You're not going any further!
[Finally, Spadaro has nowhere left to run and decides to attack Enzo with a knife, but he fails at that too. A knife duel begins!]
DON SPADARO: You know, your father sold you to me for one hundred lire. He got a good deal...
ENZO: You don't remember him. Until I cut open your man's face, I was nobody to anyone. But now you know me.
DON SPADARO: Look at you. Has anything changed? You're a hundred miles from that stinking pit you crawled out from, but still doing a master's bidding.
ENZO: You killed Luca Trapani. And I'll make you answer for that. Nobody else.
DON SPADARO: So... come on then... You've got balls, mine rat, I'll give you that. But this ends now. Not so confident now, boy. Nowhere to run. Shame, that's what you do best isn't it?
ENZO: I finish what I start.
DON SPADARO: Torrisi sent you alone? To die? You're disposable, just a weapon. Stop that, carusu! You can't... Leave me down here...
[Enzo wins and stabs the knife into Don Spadaro's throat. He wipes the knife on his corpse and takes the ring from his finger that the miners once kissed. Hearing a rustle, he raises his pistol... It's the priest. It seems he killed one of the bandits himself.]
FATHER CLEMENTE: Big night, I gather?
ENZO: What happened to him?
FATHER CLEMENTE: This figgh'i buttana? He'll wake up, far from here. Head so sore he won't remember his name.
ENZO: You didn't need to get involved.
FATHER CLEMENTE: The Lord forgives. Don Torrisi does not. Besides, he raised a weapon against a man of God.
ENZO: What about the others?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Leave them to me. Few more corpses down here makes little difference. You need to go.
ENZO: Thank you, Padre.
FATHER CLEMENTE: Tell Bernardo he owes me. Get going.
[He notices that policemen are approaching...]
SERGEANT: Father, you should get these gates closed. There's been an incident. Entire district's being searched.
FATHER CLEMENTE: More of this anarchist menace?
SERGEANT: Seems so. Baron Fontanella was murdered, at the opera.
FATHER CLEMENTE: My God...
SERGEANT: Seen or heard anything this evening?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Can't say I have.
SERGEANT: Better secure these and get inside. Late hour for a delivery, no?
FATHER CLEMENTE: Loan from San Roberto's. Early mass and my idiota deacon caused quite the accident in the storeroom. You wouldn't believe the mess down there.
[Enzo keeps his pistol ready to shoot at any moment if he is discovered.]
OFFICER: Sir! There's been a sighting!
SERGEANT: Get going. And lock these gates, Father.
DRIVER: Andiamo!
VILLA TORRISI
[Enzo comes to his Don's office.]
ENZO: It's done. Both of them.
[He places the ring taken from Spadaro's finger on the table. Don Torrisi picks it up and smirks.]
DON TORRISI: My most dutiful soldier.
[He kisses him on both cheeks.]
DON TORRISI: A new world is upon us, Enzo. And I'll need men like you by my side. You did right by Luca. You did right by this family. I'm proud of what you've become.
ENZO: Thank you, Don Torrisi.
[He leaves without ever asking for the main thing.]
DON TORRISI: We buried him, by the way. Up at the chapel. Go pay your respects, when you're ready.
[Enzo goes to say goodbye to Luca.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Notice Enzo's been away?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: The Don sent him to take care of something. Wouldn't say what it was.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: He's with the Signuri now. A shame.
VILLAGER: Valentina's like a ghost. I don't know how to help her.
VILLAGER: She won't eat. It worries me.
VILLAGER: To grow up without a father... Those poor children.
[Cesare sits at the entrance to the villa with a rifle in his hands - he is now a kind of guard. He is in a gloomy mood.]
CESARE: Move it. Enzo. You're back.
ENZO: How are you doing?
CESARE: Good trip? Not that you'll tell me about any of it.
ENZO: It was business, you know that.
CESARE: Hope you raised hell, wherever it was.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: If it was anyone else, Luca would've unleashed hell on Spadaro.
[Enzo approaches the small church located on the mountain near the villa. The priest greets him, getting up from the bench.]
FATHER CICCONE: Lord be with you, Enzo.
ENZO: Apologies, Father. I missed the burial. I hope I can still pay my respects.
FATHER CICCONE: Certainly. Remember, blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
ENZO: Thank you, Father.
[He goes to a grave in the church cemetery.]
ENZO: I'm sorry, Luca. You gave everything. But it wasn't enough. Now your boys are left without a father. So, I know you'll understand what I have to do. I was willing to die for this family. But now I have to live for my own.
[Isabella has been quietly watching from the side all this time.]
ISABELLA: Father Ciccone gave a good service. It's a shame you missed it.
ENZO: What you told me... About our child... I'm sorry, I didn't know what to say.
ISABELLA: And now?
ENZO: I'll never leave you again, Isabella. I won't die for another man's pride. And I promise that our child will have everything we never had.
ISABELLA: I can't stay Enzo. My father will never forgive me.
ENZO: Then we leave. Together. To America. When the time is right.
ISABELLA: Then you choose to be the man I love.
ENZO: I choose us. Our family.
[He gently touches her stomach. Isabella takes his hand. They stand silently by Luca's grave for a few minutes.]
LA FINE DI TUTTO
[The cooks from the beginning of the game are dragging two bandits to a car.]
IGNAZIO: Non ho fatto... please! I didn't do, I didn't do anything. Please! Non ho fatto nien- Non ho fatto niente!
[He is silenced with a blow to the stomach and shoved into the car.]
XIII - CAPIREGIME
[Enzo drives up to the shed where Ignazio is being held.]FEDE: Oh, the wanderer returns. Where have you been?
ENZO: Nowhere. Been busy.
FEDE: If it's a woman, just tell us, huh?
[Enzo's voice becomes more serious.]
ENZO: Like I said. Busy. So, what are we doing here?
FEDE: You're going in there. Don's orders.
[Enzo enters the shed where Don Torrisi is beating Ignazio almost to death with his bare hands. Tino stands nearby, smoking his pipe as usual.]
DON TORRISI: Just the man I wanted to see.
[He places a bloody hand on Enzo's shoulder.]
DON TORRISI: They all tell the truth in the end. Test'i minchia!
[He kicks the already dead Ignazio to the floor and spits on him.]
DON TORRISI: I told you before the family owed you a great debt. Now I'm in a position to make you whole. My respect, my gratitude, whatever that means to you, you have it. That mine that you crawled out of now belongs to me. You know how it works so you're the man in charge. This will make you a very rich man, Enzo. You'll have everything you ever wanted. Everything you deserve. Still a few loose ends to tie up. Tino will let you know who. I'm proud of you, Enzo. Of what you've become.
[The Don leaves and from a distance orders the corpse to be buried.]
DON TORRISI: Get this pezzu di merda out of here. Tino knows where to bury him.
TINO: Put human the back, then get in. You're driving.
[Enzo puts the corpse in the back seat and gets behind the wheel himself.]
TINO: You know the Romano farm?
ENZO: I know it.
TINO: Good. We'll dump him there. Down in the pig shit where he belongs. Take a left ahead. Peasants the other way.
ENZO: The Don said there were some loose ends. What did he mean?
TINO: Spadaro's captains have gone to ground Dino Mazzone. Matteo Costa, Domizio Caccini. We can't leave these men alive.
ENZO: Where are they?
TINO: Hiding. But our friend in the back's given us enough to start sniffing them out. I have men hunting for them already. Quite a step up, your new job.
ENZO: I thought that the Don hated those mines.
TINO: The Don likes money, same as anyone. The same as Fontanella.
ENZO: Fontanella? But the Barons dead.
TINO: Gennaro Fontanella, his son, idiota. The shameless wretch came with a deal, the day after his father's funeral. If you'd been around, you'd know this.
ENZO: A deal?
TINO: The Don takes care of the mine. And the new Baron takes care of Isabella, as his wife. Pull up here and get the body out of the back.
[Enzo stops at a small, semi-abandoned farm and throws the corpse over his shoulder. Guido has already prepared the grave.]
GUIDO: Enzo, Tino.
ENZO: Guido.
TINO: You do what I asked?
GUIDO: I dug the hole, it's all ready.
TINO: Good. Looks wide enough for two.
[He pulls out a pistol and kills Guido. His corpse falls into the grave he dug himself.]
ENZO: Minchia! What are you doing?
TINO: Bastaddu was working with the Spadaros.
ENZO: Guido?! With the Spadaros?
TINO: You talk outside of this family, you suffer the consequences. He's paid for his disloyalty. Now stop staring and throw the other one in there. That's two down. Now, you deal with the rest. Go to the vineyard, and fetch Cesare. He's expecting you.
[Enzo mounts a horse and rides to Cesare. He thinks as he rides.]
ENZO: Guido, with the Spadaros... Minchia.
[He returns to the Torrisi villa to Cesare.]
CESARE: The man of the hour finally shows his face. Over here.
[Enzo dismounts and approaches Cesare. He is standing next to a pile of boxes and barrels.]
ENZO: What's all this?
CESARE: Junk from the mine. How's this news to you? You not running the place now?
ENZO: Um... Your uncle just told me about that.
CESARE: Well, you don't sound too excited. An operation like this just falls into your lap... Some gratitude.
ENZO: It's a lot to think about, that's all.
CESARE: Know what I have to think about? Nenti, nothing. Except these three Spadaro assholes.
ENZO: Oh, what's the problem?
CESARE: Nothing. Like I said, I have nothing to worry about after we finish these strunzi. Now I'll go after Caccini. You go for Mazzone.
ENZO: You don't want to do this together?
CESARE: I want this over with, quickly as possible. Valerio has a lead on Mazzone. He's been tracking him near Casale del Re, the ruined village in the forest.
ENZO: I'll find him.
CESARE: When you're done, meet me at the church on the road to Porto Almaro. That's where Costa's holed up.
ENZO: I'll be there. Hey, you seen Valentina?
CESARE: I saw her in the kitchen. But get going soon, alright? I don't want to drag this out.
[Enzo goes to talk to Valentina.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enzo heard the good news. A big step up running the mine.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Oh! Here he is! The man from Palermo. If you need a few reliable hands. You know where to find us.
CESARE: What are you waiting for? Get back down to the mine and fill her up with as much as you can fit!
[Enzo enters the main house.]
ONGOING INVESTIGATIONS
19th June, 1907
OPERA ATTACKER STILL AT LARGE
One month has passed since the outrage at the Teatro dell’Opera di Sicilia in Palermo, which claimed the lives of several police officers and the esteemed Barone Raffaele Vittorio Fontanella. Yet, no arrests have been made.
In a statement addressed to the city administration, Palermo Police Chief Eligio Salimbeni stated only that investigations remain ongoing. He suggested that anarchist movements within Sicily are likely tied to this act of terror, but would share no further details.
When pressed by concerned attendees about the likelihood of further attacks, Salimbeni urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.
[Enzo enters the kitchen where he finds Valentina and Isabella. Valentina leaves, allowing the lovers to talk.]
ISABELLA: I have everything ready. When is this happening? When, Enzo?
ENZO: Soon.
ISABELLA: It feels like my heart will burst at any moment.
ENZO: There's just one last thing I have to do.
ISABELLA: Be careful. Tino's been sniffing around, suspicious of something.
ENZO: Of course. I'll be careful.
ISABELLA: We're so close now.
ENZO: Si.
[They kiss tenderly.]
ISABELLA: Ti amo.
ENZO: Ti amo anch'io.
[Enzo exits the kitchen.]
VALENTINA: Enzo. A moment.
ENZO: Valentina, I wanted to give you this.
[He hands her an envelope with money.]
VALENTINA: I'm not helping you for money.
ENZO: I know you're not. It's for the boys. Please.
VALENTINA: Thank you, Enzo. Now, take that girl, and find a better life than this. For all three of you. Before it's too late.
ENZO: I will, but I can't make any sudden moves. The Don will know something's going on. Soon, when the time's right, we will go.
[He walks towards the exit.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enzo! I brought you a car round, just outside.
ENZO: Ah, grazie.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Anything else I can help with just say the word.
ENZO: Right.
[He gets into the car and drives to Valerio.]
VALERIO: You made it. Where's Cesare?
ENZO: We decided to split up. I heard you've been hunting.
VALERIO: I have. Mazzone is hiding out in the old village, just up the forest path.
ENZO: How many men?
VALERIO: A dozen, I'd say. He's a cornered dog, Enzo. Be careful.
ENZO: I always am.
VALERIO: I brought some tools. Take what you need.
ENZO: Grazie.
[He arms himself and ventures into the thick of the forest, trying to be quiet. Soon he hears voices.]
MAZZONE: This is all Spadaro's fault. Overplayed his hand, and now we're done for.
ENZO: That's them. Should be quiet now.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: What's the plan?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We survive. Take out anyone that comes through here.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: That's it? And then what?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We worry about that for now. Hopefully one of the others will take the reins and get us out of this mess.
[Enzo kills the bandits one by one by quietly sneaking up from behind.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You spoke to Mazzone, right? Any word from the other captains?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: He didn't say. He's not thinking straight. Just keeps cleaning his gun. A captain should lead, not whatever this is.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We should take the fight to Torrisi. Burn down his vineyard. Hit him with everything we've got.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Just us? Are you out of your mind? Face it, we're done...
SPADARO MAFIOSO: So what? We just wait here, in the woods?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Be glad we're still alive. Idiota.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: We slip away now, we might have a chance.
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You can't just leave. Where will you go?
SPADARO MAFIOSO: I don't know. But we're dead if we stay here.
[Finally, Enzo finds Mazzone, who clearly understands the situation he is in.]
MAZZONE: Cowering in the woods, like a fucking dog. Spadaro... you bastaddu.
[By tossing a coin, Enzo distracts Mazzone and kills him by stabbing a knife into his side.]
ENZO: Buona notte.
MAZZONE'S LETTER
Amadeo, send the following in a telegram to Teodoro Ippoliti. He’s at 127 Maple Street, Lost Heaven, North County, United States.
Teodoro,
I heard you've made quite a success of yourself in America. Your mamma, God rest her soul, she wrote to me for a while. Told me all about Lost Heaven. I was sorry to hear of her passing.
I too have done well for myself, in Sicily. But things, as they are, have turned against me. I’m in a bit of a situation, and could use your help. I need to leave. As soon as possible.
You get me a ticket out of here, to America, and I'll do whatever you need of me. I’m not afraid of hard work, getting my hands dirty.
Please, do not delay though. If you can help me, send the money to my mother. She knows where to find me. I’m sure you remember her address.
Your amico,
Mazzone.
ENZO: I should go find Cesare.
[He gallops to Cesare, and not in vain - he is already in a shootout.]
ENZO: Cesare!
CESARE: Over here!
CACCINI: Let's kill this bastaddu!
CESARE: There he is! Shoot that sucaminchia! You took your time. Thought maybe you got lost in the forest.
ENZO: Just keep shooting!
CESARE: Run while you still can, we only want Caccini! Minchia, he's getting away! Quick, in the car! Let's go! This bastard can't get away. We need to kill him!
[They jump into the race car and give chase.]
ENZO: You should have waited for me! We could have taken care of this quietly, avoided all of this.
CESARE: I want them all gone! I’m not waiting around. Besides, I want to see him run.
ENZO: Still should have waited!
CESARE: Just stay on him it's over sooner if you don't drive like a nonna!
CESARE: Just shoot him already!
ENZO: He's heading for the salt flats!
CESARE: Looks like he brought some friends. Well, there's going to be a few more widows.
[They stop the car and continue the chase on foot.]
CESARE: We got the snake. What about Mazzone?
ENZO: He's dead.
CESARE: Then there's only one left. Tino was going to look for him. Let's finish this once and for all.
[After killing Caccini, they return to the car.]
CESARE: Let's get to the village overlooking Porto Almaro. Tino said he'd meet us there.
ENZO: I hope this is the end of it.
CESARE: So where have you been the last couple weeks?
ENZO: I've been busy.
CESARE: Busy with what?
ENZO: Visiting Luca's people. Letting them know we're still in business.
CESARE: Listen to you. All about the business. Did you hear about Guido?
ENZO: I did. Tino took care of him.
CESARE: Good. That bastard ate from our table, lying to us the whole time.
ENZO: He must have had his reasons.
CESARE: Fuck him and his reasons. He got what he deserved. So... you're still committed to all of this?
ENZO: What are you asking?
CESARE: You've not been around, Enzo. And it's not just me who's noticed.
ENZO: I told you. I've been busy.
CESARE: Well after today, this should be your only priority. Things are different now. I'm relying on you.
ENZO: Let's just worry about finishing the job, alright?
CARLO: About time. You boys get lost?
CESARE: We've been busy. Did you find our man?
FEDE: We did. Tino's waiting by the building back there.
TINO: Are the others dealt with?
CESARE: They're gone. No problems.
TINO: Then this maggot is all that's left of them. He's cowering in the church. But I don't think God is going to offer him much in the way of protection. Get it done.
CESARE: Let's go, Enzo.
[The shootout begins almost immediately.]
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Dammit! Torrisi sent his men!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: You and your friend are dead!
ENZO: Minchia!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: Leave while you still can!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: I hope you've made peace with God!
SPADARO MAFIOSO: The devil will take both of you!
[Enzo and Cesare kill all the bandits guarding the church.]
CESARE: This way. Coward must be inside the church.
TINO: Good. Now, this ends.
CESARE: (loudly) Matteo Costa! This is it for you! Get out here, you fucking coward!
[Father Ciccone stands at the church threshold.]
FATHER CICCONE: Please, come no further!
CESARE: Out of the way, Father.
FATHER CICCONE: This is a church, a place of worship. To bring violence, bloodshed inside... It's unthinkable.
CESARE: (loudly) All of your men are dead! The other captains, dead! It's over for you.
ENZO: You should leave, Father. There's nothing you can do here.
CESARE: Enough waiting. I'm going inside.
[Suddenly, the church door opens...]
COSTA: Don't shoot! I'm unarmed.
CESARE: What is this? You hide behind a priest now?
COSTA: You've won. I'm all that's left. But listen, please, I have a wife. A son.
CESARE: Enzo, did you leave your balls at home? Shoot this prick!
TINO: Enzo, kill this figgh'i buttana.
COSTA: You don't have to do this. I'll go away! Leave Sicily! You'll never hear from me again. Please.
TINO: Shoot him!
FATHER CICCONE: Oh Lord, give me the strength and clarity of mind to find my purpose and walk the path you've laid out for me.
TINO: Somebody shoot this man!
[Enzo hesitates, imagining himself in Matteo's place. Cesare kills him.]
FATHER CICCONE: He begged for mercy! This... This is a house of God!
TINO: And yet you let the wretched bastaddu in.
FATHER CICCONE: Agostino please, he sought refuge. How could I deny him?
TINO: When you drink wine at our feasts. Hold out your begging bowl for this and that. When you listen to the confessions of our women for some whisper of a thrill.
FATHER CICCONE: W-What? No....
TINO: It means you serve a higher power. And it isn't our Lord almighty.
ENZO: Tino.
FATHER CICCONE: There is no reason, please.
TINO: We need to clear a few things up, you and me. Don't worry about this. The father knows how to turn a blind eye, when he wants to.
FATHER CICCONE: Please!
[Tino pushes the priest into the church.]
CESARE: Leave him to it. Come on.
Bar Caffè Ginevra
THE END OF THE NIGHT
[Enzo and Cesare get drunk in a bar.]
CESARE: Another one, let's do another one. To Ruggero Spadaro! May the devil has his way with you for all eternity. Salute!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Salute!
PROSTITUTE: Salute!
CESARE: Here he is, the big boss himself. King of the Carusi. The world is ours now. And you're moving up in it. Just don't forget the rest of us, all down here.
ENZO: What are you talking about?
CESARE: It's nothing... I'm sorry. I'm happy for you. You've done well, Enzo, really. Now, onto serious business. Ladies!
[He leaves with two prostitutes and a smile on his face. Leo Galante approaches Enzo.]
LEO: That thing we talked about. Don't worry about him. If you go, stay gone. That's my advice. All my business here is done. We'll be on our way soon. Inside, there's an address. Franco's cousin. You get over the water, you write him, alright? He'll know where we wash up.
[He examines the envelope for a long time.]
ENZO: Thank you, Leo.
[They hug.]
LEO: Buona fortuna, Enzo.
ENZO: A prestu.
LEO: A prestu.
[Enzo leaves, and Leo pours a drink for himself and his bartender friend.]
LEO: Justice is ours. Here's to you, old man.
[He nods to the portrait of the old Don Galante.]
XIV - LA MERICA
[As Enzo drives to the meeting place with Isabella, he remembers the letter he wrote to her.]ENZO: (offscreen) Amore mio. Just a few more days and we will be far away from here. I have everything prepared. The train will take us to Palermo, then we'll board the ship to America. Make sure you're ready to leave. I will see you soon. Until then, hold tight. Enzo.
WORKER: Torrisi let you go?
WORKER: Not just me. A whole group of us.
WORKER: I heard he'll be running the mine in Collezolfo. Maybe that has something to do with it.
A CONCERNED NEIGHBOR
Valentina,
What you are going through is a terrible thing, and I do not mean to pry, but you have not left the house in several days. I worry about you, we all do.
I have made you some pasta ‘ncasciata, I know it is little Samuele’s favorite. Please, look after yourselves.
We are all here if you need us.
Dorotea
AVVISI FUNEBRI - LUCA
GIANLUCA TRAPANI
Passed May 15th 1907
A beloved husband and father.
A private burial has taken place at the Torrisi vineyard, but we encourage anyone who would like to pay their respects at his graveside to do so.
‘For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.’
[Enzo approaches Valentina's house.]
ENZO: Ciao, Valentina. Is your mother visiting?
VALENTINA: We're alone today. Poor thing, he's had a fever. I should check. I almost forgot. I have something for you. For the little one.
[She hands over a small package.]
ISABELLA: Thank you.
[She takes the package, her suitcase, and leaves the house. Valentina addresses Enzo.]
VALENTINA: You look after her.
ENZO: I will.
[He gets into the car where Isabella is already sitting.]
ENZO: Do you have everything?
ISABELLA: I have you. Nothing else matters. Do you think she'll be alright?
ENZO: Valentina will be looked after. Your father will see to that.
ISABELLA: I don't mean like that. I worry about him. About what he might do if he knew she helped us.
ENZO: Valentina can keep a secret. She's already proven that. I'm sorry you weren't able to say goodbye to your father.
ISABELLA: There would have been no way to speak to him without raising hell. Looking at the mountain, that might be happening anyway. I watched the smoke all night, until Valentina came.
ENZO: Was it hard to get out?
ISABELLA: I kept my head down, but the roads were empty. With the mountain like that, people are staying inside.
ENZO: I haven't seen it do this for years. Soon we won't have to worry about any of it. Not the mountain, not this place. The moment we step foot on that boat, we're free.
ISABELLA: I've never been on a boat before, only watched them come and go at the docks.
ENZO: Neither have I. Never took much notice of them. Haven't had a reason to until now.
[He notices a familiar face on the road and brakes.]
ENZO: Minchia... That's Daniele up ahead. One of your father's men.
ISABELLA: What do we do?
ENZO: I'll handle it.
DANIELE: Enzo!
ENZO: Daniele.
DANIELE: Signorina. I didn't realize it was you. Going somewhere?
ENZO: The Don asked me to escort Isabella to Porto Almaro. Gennaro Fontanella has sent gifts. There's some paperwork.
DANIELE: The new Baron Fontanella? Must be something special if they're holding them down there. Don't let me keep you.
[Enzo drives away hastily.]
ENZO: [Exhaling]
ISABELLA: Keep driving. That was too close.
ENZO: See, even out here, we can't breathe. Not until we leave this place. We won't be the last to go. People want to have some happiness, to leave the old ways behind. I wish Luca had seen that.
ISABELLA: Nothing can change that now. We have to live our lives, freely. Do that for him. From today, we choose who we are, finally. Here we are.
[Finally, they arrive at the train station.]
ISABELLA: Are you ready to do this?
ENZO: Yes.
[They kiss.]
ENZO: There's so much I've wanted to tell you. I just couldn't find the words. Everything I have to say is here.
[He hands Isabella the envelope, and then gives her the wooden horse, exactly like the one we saw at the beginning of the game.]
ENZO: I had one just like it, when I was a boy. But their life will be different. I promise you that.
[However... Tino with a large number of men is already waiting for them at the station.]
TINO: Leaving without saying goodbye?
ISABELLA: Enzo!
[Enzo tries to fight back but is quickly grabbed by the arms. Tino pulls out a revolver.]
TINO: I always knew you were trouble, carusu. Now you're going to get what's coming to you.
ISABELLA: Get your hands off me!
TINO: And he's not the only one. Father Ciccone told us all about your dirty little secret. It broke your father's heart. So much for the sanctity of the confessional.
[She spits in Tino's face.]
ISABELLA: You bastard!
ENZO: Let her go!
TINO: But your sins may yet be absolved. Your father has made arrangements.
[He waves the revolver's barrel near Isabella's stomach, hinting at an abortion.]
ENZO: No! No! No!
TINO: Pick it up. I said "pick it up"!
[Isabella takes her suitcase.]
TINO: Get him out of here.
ISABELLA: Enzo! I love you!
ENZO: I'll find you! I'll find you!
[He tries to fight back but is hit on the head, and Enzo loses consciousness.]
ISABELLA: No!
[He comes to his senses riding in the back of a truck with Cesare.]
CESARE: Susiti, carusu!
ENZO: Agh... Cesare, no... Please...
CESARE: What the fuck were you thinking? You could've had any girl in Sicily, any girl in the God damn world... Why her?
ENZO: I love her. I've always loved her.
CESARE: I don't want to hear it! You thought you could just run off and disappear together?
ENZO: This life destroys everything good. I had to make a choice.
CESARE: Minchia! You ruined it... You've thrown away everything my uncle's given you.
ENZO: What's he given me? Huh? He's made me a thief, Cesare, a murderer!
CESARE: You did that! You pulled the trigger, always! You chose this.
FEDE: We have a problem back there? Need something to cover his mouth?
CESARE: I'm handling it. Just drive.
ENZO: You saw what happened to Luca. It's only a matter of time before it's me, or you.
CESARE: You stood in that cellar and swore loyalty. You took an oath!
ENZO: Just don't let anything happen to her. The baby. Please, Cesare, they're all I have.
CESARE: Enough! You don't get a say in this. Every word you've spoken to me is a lie. Lla na mazzari... We were friends!
[They arrive at the Collezolfo mines, which are now under Don Torrisi's control... Enzo's hands are tied.]
CESARE: Get out.
CARLO: Welcome back, carusu.
FEDE: Smells like home, huh?
CESARE: Keep walking.
ENZO: Cesare, please-
CESARE: Stop. Stop talking.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: More bad news, I'm guessing?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: It only ever gets worse...
ENZO: The mountain's smoking. We shouldn't be here.
CESARE: Stop trying to get out of this. You can't. The Don has made up his mind.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Did you find out what happened?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: No.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Mind your business.
CESARE: You two wait outside, in case he tries anything.
[He leads him to the mine management building where Don Torrisi himself is located.]
DON TORRISI: Cut him loose. (screams) Untie his fucking hands.
ENZO: Don Torrisi.
[The Don punches him in the stomach.]
ENZO: I love her.
[The Don hits him again.]
DON TORRISI: I welcome you into my family...
[He hits Enzo in the face. Enzo falls to one knee.]
DON TORRISI: And you betray me from the start.
DON TORRISI: Are you a man? (screams) Put up your hands!
[However, Enzo does not want to defend himself and only takes the beating. The Don begins to choke him, pinning him to a table.]
DON TORRISI: You think I would allow it? Huh? A carusu? Let you ruin her? Isabella will marry who I tell her to marry. The new Baron Fontanella. And she will live happily ever after. Because I have a doctor that will wipe every trace of you from this earth, understand?
CESARE: But Isabella-
DON TORRISI: (screams) You shut up!
ENZO: I beg you, Don Torrisi. Please!
[The Don turns to Cesare.]
DON TORRISI: He was a member of a brotherhood. Now he's nothing. If rules aren't upheld, what use are they? You show me you have what it takes. You want to be someone? You take your knife and end him. Cut his fucking throat!
[Cesare silently pulls out a knife...]
ENZO: No, no...
[However... an eruption begins. The house shakes a little.]
CESARE: What?!
[Seizing the moment of confusion, Enzo grabs Cesare and jumps out of the window with him.]
CESARE: No! No! There's only one way out now. You knew that when you said the words!
ENZO: She's... She's your cousin, Cesare.
CESARE: Whatever happens to her is because of you.
ENZO: Please.
[He still has to fight his friend.]
ENZO: The mountain... We'll be buried here.
CESARE: Then I'll make this quick.
ENZO: Put the knife down. We can stop this now. Walk away together.
CESARE: You think I'd go anywhere with you, carusu? Minchia!
ENZO: Agh!
[He jumps on Cesare and starts punching him.]
ENZO: No one will touch her! Not you, not your uncle!
[Cesare throws a handful of sand in his face and breaks free from the hold. The knife fight continues.]
CESARE: Enough! We finish this!
CESARE: All you ever did was fuck everything up! What was that? Please. Enzo...
[Wounded and tired, having no strength left to fight, Cesare falls to his knees.]
CESARE: Just do it. Come on! Why won't you do it?
ENZO: You're... You're my friend.
[He walks to the door.]
CESARE: It all could've been yours. He gave you everything!
ENZO: Live for yourself, Cesare. Not for him. Not for this.
[He leaves and doesn't forget to lock the door behind him to prevent pursuit. Now he urgently needs to get Isabella!]
NOTICE - NEW WORKING HOURS
Compagnia Mineraria del Mediterraneo Centrale Miniera di Collezolfo OFFICIAL NOTICE TO ALL WORKERS
As of June 21st, 1907, I, Bernardo Torrisi, will assume ownership of the Miniera di Collezolfo. With me, come new, highly experienced guards who will help to facilitate a smooth handover.
It is in your best interest that you comply with any requests given by these new operatives. Any workers refusing to do so may be at risk of immediate termination.
There is a lot of work to be done here, and we cannot afford to waste time on those of you who are not prepared to cooperate with us.
Over the coming weeks, you should expect a series of changes to come into effect, that seek to correct months of losses under the previous manager. The first, being an extension to daily working hours. The last shift of the day will now end at 7pm. If you have any concerns about this new schedule, or your ongoing employment, bring them to me personally.
I look forward to correcting the mistakes of my esteemed predecessor.
B. Torrisi
TORRISI MAFIOSO: No sign of Cesare! Minchia!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Keep your eyes open. Enzo can't have got far!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Any sign of Enzo, you shout!
ENZO: Minchia!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: I'll drag him to the Don myself.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Here he comes! The Don wants him dead!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Who cares where he went? We could all die here!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: You see Enzo, you kill him!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: I see him! He's down there!
[As Enzo walks across a wooden platform, something like grenades are dropped on him from above, breaking the platform, and Enzo falls into the quarry where Don Torrisi's men are already waiting for him. But he doesn't intend to give up.]
ENZO: [Coughing]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: There he is!
DON TORRISI: You're going nowhere, carusu! Kill him! I have you now, you rat. You'll die down there, where you belong! I have you now, you rat. You'll die down there, where you belong! He went into the tunnel! After him!
[He runs into a mine that is gradually beginning to collapse.]
ENZO: I need to get out, get to Isabella! I know this shaft... Me and Gaetano were here.
[However, the passage is blocked, and he has to find another way.]
ENZO: Agh! Minchia!
CARLO: Coming down here's a death sentence.
FEDE: We find him and get out of here. Amuni!
ENZO: Should be a way out up ahead....
TORRISI MAFIOSO: [Coughing] See him?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Can barely see anything down here! [Coughing]
ENZO: Gas... Somewhere around here... Come on. Agh! Minchia!
[He slides down a slope into the lower part of the mine where he encounters the Don himself. He is armed with a rifle and stands on an elevation. Enzo hides behind crates and gradually advances.]
DON TORRISI: Scurry around all you like. You won't hide from me! I never should have taken you on. You belong down here, in the dirt.
ENZO: I got out once, and I'll do it again.
DON TORRISI: You'll never see my daughter again.
ENZO: You won't stand between us!
DON TORRISI: You're nothing. Isabella will forget all about you.
ENZO: She loves me! And soon we'll be far away from here!
DON TORRISI: Face me you fucking snake! Get him! He's coming your way!
[Enzo coughs, feeling the mine filling with gas.]
ENZO: No, no, no!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enzo's a dead man, Don's orders!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Come out, carusu!
ENZO: Yeah, just up here...
[He lifts a massive beam blocking the passage to the stairs leading to the mine exit. And at that moment, Don Torrisi himself attacks him. He pins him against the wall and begins to brutally beat him, then grabs him by the throat.]
DON TORRISI: You crawled out of this hell and brought sin upon my family. And now I've brought you back. You took an oath!
[As he screams and brutally beats Enzo, the flame on the lamp begins to burn brighter...]
DON TORRISI: And you betrayed me! My daughter?! My fucking daughter?!
[He picks up a large stone to crush Enzo's head, but Enzo grabs the lamp and throws it to the side, causing a collapse that buries the Don. Enzo emerges from the mines all wounded and sees the volcanic eruption, realizing he needs to save his beloved.]
ENZO: No... Isabella... Aghh!
[However, the Don did not perish in the mine... He appears right behind Enzo!]
DON TORRISI: Carusu! You can't escape what you've done. I won't allow it.
[A sudden knife fight begins!]
DON TORRISI: I pitied you when I first saw you. And I do now. You've lost it all.
ENZO: I have everything I ever wanted. Isabella, a ever wanted. Isabella, a family. I'll kill you before I lose them. Aaghh!
DON TORRISI: Fucking snake! Get back here, you bastard! Gah! Filthy carusu!
ENZO: That is all I ever was to you!
DON TORRISI: You want my daughter, you'll have to kill me! Go on! Fight for her!
ENZO: You put Isabella at risk, every day you chose this life.
DON TORRISI: Agh! No!! Now you see... You're going to die here... You think I'd let her be with you? A killer?
ENZO: You made me that! I'd give up anything to be hers. Bastard!
DON TORRISI: You think... it's that easy?
[Enzo manages to stab the Don in the shoulder.]
DON TORRISI: Aghh! Men like you deserve to die. Aaghh! Men like me... Stomp on rats like you!
[He pulls the knife out of his shoulder and headbutts Enzo, forcing him to retreat.]
DON TORRISI: You'll beg for a quick death. So predictable. It's not all about speed... You can't hit me, you can't win. Pezzu di merda! Get back here, coward!
Do it. figgh'i buttana.... Do it!
[Finally, Enzo wins... he stabs the knife into Don Torrisi's side, and he falls to the ground. Blood pours from his mouth.]
DON TORRISI: You could've had it all.
ENZO: I have everything I need.
DON TORRISI: Pezzu di merda... Look at me... Look me in the eye. You can't... You can't change what you are. You're nothing.
[In response, Enzo simply stands up, and the Don remains lying with a knife in his side. Cesare approaches him. He is standing on a small elevation above Enzo. He extends a hand to help him climb up.]
CESARE: Enzo...
[Enzo isn't sure if he should trust him, but he casts aside his doubts and takes his hand.]
CESARE: Just you and me. Like we said. I'm sorry.
[And then... Cesare stabs him in the side. With a silent question in his eyes, Enzo falls to the ground and dies quite quickly. The scene cuts to a black screen. We transition to the Torrisi Villa where Isabella is sitting on the floor in her room, crying. Tino enters.]
TINO: Make yourself presentable. You're in enough trouble, don't you think? A car's on its way to take you to a doctor. To clean this stain away.
[Isabella, hysterical, crawls after him on her knees.]
ISABELLA: Tino! You can't. You can't do this. Tino, I am begging you! I am begging you. Please! You're heartless! You're heartless! Why?
TINO: You dishonored your father. You shamed... shamed this family!
ISABELLA: Vafanculu!
[He leaves and locks the door behind him. Isabella bars the door with a chair and contemplates an escape plan. She is hysterical.]
ISABELLA: Enzo... Oh God... Oh God... I have to get out of here... I can't leave you here with him.
ENZO'S LETTER
Amuri miu,
I have been trying to speak with you this week, alone, but your father has kept me busy.
I have the tickets. Go with Valentina when she calls.
I was thinking more about names, and why not Rosa, for a girl?
After your mother. We will be together soon.
I love you,
Enzo
ISABELLA’S JOURNAL
March, 1905
It was a beautiful afternoon, riding to the coast. Taking the paths I’d journeyed with my mamma. Almost nothing had changed. The only difference between then and now was the infernal roar of Gennaro’s motorcar. But even with all that, and my cousin’s bickering, looking at those ruins from the mountaintop, I felt free, at peace.
Rather ironic considering what happened next. I had heard about bandits, what they were capable of, but foolishly never thought I’d encounter any face-to-face. I tried to fight back, but there were too many, all carrying firearms. Thank God for Enzo, what he did for me. I will never forget it.
I may not return to those ruins again in a hurry, but this photograph is enough, for now. A terrifying day, without question, though admittedly more exhilarating than anything I’ve experienced before.
July, 1905
We're getting ready for another harvest. I’ve been rising early, taking my camera out among the vine rows and trellises before the first workers arrive. Today is no exception.
This time of year was once a reminder that I had wasted another summer here. I used to grow tired of the sight of these fields. Wished to find something different outside my window. Now, I see the beauty in all of it. The early-morning sun shimmering on the leaves. Birds chirping as they land nearby, stealing fallen fruit.
I remember my father carrying me through the fields when I was little, my mamma laughing and picking grapes for me to eat. I had forgotten all about that.
On the way back to the villa, the workers are starting their day. My father’s men ready some horses at the stables. I head over there to check on Alba. Sometimes I linger for a while. Just long enough, as though I might be riding out too. These days, I imagine anything can happen.
ISABELLA: No use taking this now. My hairpin... Should work on the door. Almost there... Yes!
[She gets out onto the balcony and tries to be as quiet and careful as possible.]
WORKER: We need to get out of here!
[Gunshots are heard.]
ISABELLA: Cristo!
[A phone rings in the next room, and Isabella has to hide under a table.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Did you hear that?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Let me see...
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Damn. Nothing.
TINO'S PLAN
I confirmed their plans with Father Ciccone. He is a man of God, so I trust his words.
If you want Cesare to go with me, I will not argue with you, but you know my thoughts on the matter.
Fede and Carlo will take the truck. The first train to Palermo arrives at 12:45. We will be there before, keeping watch from a safe distance.
The carusu will get what he deserves.
Tino
ISABELLA: Monster...
TORRISI’S EXPANSION
22nd June, 1907
LOCAL BUSINESSMAN ACQUIRES GALANTE ENTERPRISES
Bernardo Torrisi, proprietor of the Torrisi vineyard, and new manager at the Miniera di Collezolfo, continues to expand across the Valle Dorata with his most recent venture in Porto Almaro.
Torrisi signed a deal with Leone Galante, who was left his grandfather’s businesses when he died earlier this year.
Torrisi takes over the Bar Caffé Ginevra and Fratteli Galante tonnara as a part of the acquisition, though it is not known at this point what his plans are for the future of the Galante name.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Open up! Now!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: They want this to happen now? What the fuck are we doing? Mountain's already erupting.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: If the Don gets back and it hasn't been done, we'll be dead anyway.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Signorina! Are you in there? If you don't come out, we'll come in! Last chance! Break it down. Argh!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: She's gone!
TINO: What is going on here?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Isabella, she's not in her room.
TINO: Minchiuni! You let her get away?! Find her, now! No one leaves until that girl is found!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Agostino... Look at the mountain!
TINO: You grew up in its shadow. You shit yourself every time the ground shakes? Do your job!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: No one comes in or out, Tino's orders. He wants a man at every gate.
[Isabella manages to sneak down to the kitchen one floor below.]
HOUSEKEEPER: Signorina Torrisi!
ISABELLA: Please, you have to help me! They're going to hurt me. My baby. Can you get me out of here?
HOUSEKEEPER: I can try and distract them. Get out through the cellar.
ISABELLA: Oh, grazie!
HOUSEKEEPER: Be careful, signorina.
[She comes out to the bandits.]
HOUSEKEEPER: I saw her! Signorina Torrisi!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Where did she go?
HOUSEKEEPER: I don't know. I think she went out to the back.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: You think? I need you to be sure! Tell me where she went!
HOUSEKEEPER: Alright, I'll show you.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Cellar's clear.
ISABELLA: Minchia...
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Anyone seen her yet?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: No. Tino's lost his mind! We'll be buried in ash before we find her.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Signora! Come out of there!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: She's in the cellar! Vai!
[She hides in the basement even though she has been discovered. Meanwhile, the basement is slowly being engulfed by fire.]
ISABELLA: Agh! Lord protect me...
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Find a way in! She's trapped down there!
ISABELLA: Cristo! No!
[She approaches the locked grate leading to the exit. A groom is standing nearby.]
ISABELLA: Gaspare! Help me out of here!
GASPARE: I don't have the key! I- I'm sorry!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Keep looking! She's here somewhere!
GASPARE: I'm sorry. I have to go!
ISABELLA: No! Minchia!
[She continues to search for an exit in the burning cellar. One of the Don's men, Achille, is pursuing her, but he also can't see well due to the smoke.]
ISABELLA: Oh Diu... Come on...
ACHILLE: [Coughing] Where are you, signorina? You have to come with us.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Achille, are you down here?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Minchia... Need to find her!
[Isabella sees an exit...]
ISABELLA: Oh, grazie a Dio!
[But Achille grabs her by the boot.]
ACHILLE: Signora, you've been told.
ISABELLA: You don't know what they'll do!
ACHILLE: I have orders. Stop that! Buttana! Enough!
[He pulls out a knife.]
ISABELLA: Leave me alone!
[She kicks the scoundrel.]
ACHILLE: Give it here.
ISABELLA: Stop!
[Picking up the knife, she, without really planning to, stabs Achille. Horrified by what she has done, she drops the knife.]
ISABELLA: Matri mia...
[Isabella exits the cellar.]
TORRISI MAFIOSO: [Coughing] Stop hiding!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Please. Come out so we can stop this.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: See her?
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Eh, nothing there.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Keep your eyes open.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: She's not here! You're lying.
HOUSEKEEPER: No, I swear! She ran off this way.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: So Ramú's seeing things, is he? She didn't go through the cellar?
HOUSEKEEPER: Maybe she got scared. Turned around. I don't know!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: If we don't find her, Don Torrisi will hear what you did.
HOUSEKEEPER: I've told you all I know, I swear! Now let me go!!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Minchia...
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Forget about her. We need Isabella.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Enough hiding!
[They leave, and Isabella approaches the Housekeeper.]
HOUSEKEEPER: Signorina Torrisi! Get out through the garden. It's the only way.
ISABELLA: Grazie!
HOUSEKEEPER: Don't let them see you..
VALERIO: What are we doing? We have to stop. This is madness!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: It's what the Don wants.
VALERIO: I won't harm that girl. I won't hand her over to those bastards.
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Then you can deal with the Don when he finds out she's gone.
VALERIO: Look around you! Nothing will survive this. I'm leaving!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Vafanculu!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: Time to come out now, signorina!
TORRISI MAFIOSO: [Coughing] Where is she?!
[Isabella manages to sneak out of the villa, but now she has no way to leave... but then Tino catches her.]
TINO: There you are.
ISABELLA: No, no, no!
[Tino grabs her and leads her towards the forest with a knife in his hand.]
TINO: I will teach you to do as you're told.
ISABELLA: Testa 'i minchia! Let me go! You'll burn in hell. You and my father!
TINO: You keep this up and you'll be there to welcome us.
ISABELLA: Bastard!
TINO: Enough!
[She bites Tino's hand, and he drops the knife. Picking up the knife, Isabella cuts his face and runs away.]
TINO: Buttana....
[Isabella hides behind partially burning items taken out from the Torrisi villa.]
TINO: You can't hide forever. Your father has made his choice. Don't disappoint him any further.
[Isabella attacks Tino from behind with a knife, but he notices her in time and counterattacks.]
TINO: You want to add murder to your list of sins?
ISABELLA: If my child will be free of this place, from you...
[They fight, and Isabella cuts Tino's face again.]
TINO: Agh! What did you do?! You wait until your father sees what you've done!
ISABELLA: You're a monster. Just like my father!
TINO: If he kept you on a leash like I told him to, none of this would be happening!
[He gets another cut on his leg.]
TINO: Vafanculu!
TINO: You... [Coughing] You can't keep the doctor waiting! [Coughing] Where are you, girl?
[Sneaking up from behind, Isabella stabs the knife into Tino's neck.]
TINO: Agh! Fucking bitch!
[He dies, and Isabella prepares a horse to leave. At that moment, Cesare arrives.]
ISABELLA: Leave me! Stay back! Where is Enzo? Cesare, where is he?
[Cesare reaches into his pocket as if for a knife, but pulls out two bloody tickets.]
CESARE: There's nothing for you here now. You need to go.
[Isabella bursts into sobs but takes the tickets and rides away on the horse.]
ISABELLA: Andiamo...
[Cesare remains in the burning villa. Some time passes. Isabella boards a ship, pushing through the crowd of people.]
ISABELLA: Permesso.
[She stands at the railing and opens Enzo's letter.]
ENZO: (offscreen) Amore mio, we'll remember today for the rest of our lives. It's the day we chose a future, for our family. My father left me for dead. Our child will live how they choose. Just knowing that makes everything we've been through worthwhile. I can't undo my past, but you help me to rise above it. And for that you have my love, my loyalty, forever. Enzo.
[After reading the letter, she gradually stops sobbing, and a smile appears on her face. In the distance, through the haze, the outlines of the Empire State Building are visible, meaning she has arrived in America. Now she faces a difficult life as an immigrant with a child in her arms.]