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.