Poor Little Rich Boy
Chapter Four: An Offer He Couldn't Refuse
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"So, how did Greenback find you again?"
"Is strange… Barone, he never tell-a me how he finded me."
"… Well, regardless, tell me how you found out about him."
"Cie, cie… after some-a time, la mia famiglia moved again, back to Rome…"
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The streets of Rome were busy as usual. Tourism, historical study, and religious pilgrimage were what made the city a hot-spot (and consequently a prosperous one). Thus, it was also a perfect place for thieves and pickpockets.
Nasaccio, now age 25, paced back and forth around one of the piazzas. He awaited the arrival of his trusted assistant. "Quell'uccello stupido," he mumbled, glancing at his wristwatch. "Where could-a he be?"
At last, the assistant arrived- a big black crow, circling the piazza once before landing on Nasaccio's shoulder. Ever since their meeting a few years ago, Stiletto (as the wild crow was named) had been loyal to the rich man, not just as a pet but as a fellow thief.
Smiling a little, Nasaccio noticed the objects Stiletto carried in his beak. He took them and started examining the findings- a watch, a necklace, 50 lira, and a hair ribbon. Not much of a prize on his part, but it was enough to stir up a little trouble.
As he tossed the stolen valuables aside, Nasaccio approached a nearby alley, where his car was parked. The Emily incident had made him less trusting of others, especially strangers, so he avoided contact with people as often as possible.
Stiletto left Nasaccio and flew off towards home. The bird had been well-trained, almost like a falcon… except his master provided food for him, rather than the other way around. As long as it was good at pick-pocketing and thieving, the bird would be cared for.
The anthro crow hopped into the car and started the engine, pulling out of the alleyway. It was late in the day, and he had to get home soon. Anita was very sick, and he promised he'd come home and take care of her. The Cornetto family had a few more hired hands to take care of the chores, and technically those jobs could be left for them… but Anita was practically his mother, and the best friend he ever had. Taking care of her, while not something he looked forward to, was the least he could do for her…
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"What happened with Anita?"
"Was-a very sick."
"Do you know what she was sick with?"
"No, Sabrina… Anita, she was-a simply very old."
"Oh… was she dying?"
"…"
"Stiletto? Are you okay?"
"… Am fine…"
"Do you feel okay telling the rest?"
"Have to. Is importante to story…"
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A few hours later, Nasaccio trotted upstairs, carrying a tray with a bowl of soup, a glass of water, and a few pills. Poor Anita was bedridden with some type of virus, and even though there wasn't much he could do to help her, Nasaccio insisted on keeping her comfortable.
Nasaccio approached a door and gently knocked. "Entrare," a sickly female voice answered.
Quietly, Nasaccio opened the door and slipped inside. "Buona sera, Anita," he whispered, placing the tray on the nightstand. "How-a you feel?"
Anita slowly opened her eyes. The old feline wasn't doing very well; her fur slowly changed from a bright tabby color to a dull grey-white, and she was losing her strength quickly. Still, she smiled; seeing Nasaccio at her side brought her much joy. "Bambino," she murmured. "Grazi, Nasaccio. You are-a too good to me."
Smiling hopefully, Nasaccio leaned over and gently hugged Anita. His heart ached for her; even if she did recover from her ailment, he knew she wasn't going to live much longer. He never said anything, but the pain of watching Anita slip away was torture- he didn't want her to die, yet he knew that once she did he wouldn't have to worry anymore. Her loss would be the greatest he had yet to face…
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"Stiletto? Do you need a minute?"
"Cie, cie…"
"Take your time…"
"…"
"Losing someone that close must be painful, huh?"
"… Sabrina, not-a helpful."
"Sorry- I've never lost someone that close before…"
"… Cie, hurts…"
"… Do you want me to stop asking?"
"No, no… story must go on…"
"You sure?"
"Cie… okay, to continue…"
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That evening, Nasaccio sat alone in the parlor. He lay back on the sofa, reading a novel by the light of the fireplace. Stiletto was perched high above him, on the trophy head of a large buck (neither Nasaccio nor Juan were hunters, but Juan's grandfather was an avid outdoorsman, as well as a lawyer himself).
Suddenly, Nasaccio was shaken from his thoughts by Maria's voice. "Nasaccio!" she cried. "There is-a someone here for you!"
Rolling his eyes, Nasaccio closed the book and stood up. Stiletto followed his master, perching on his shoulder as he left the parlor and entered the main hall. A cloaked figure stood there, tipping his hat; it was a red fox. "Nasaccio Mafiosa Cornetto," he addressed. "Your reputation precedes you."
Nasaccio nodded slowly, unsure of what to think of the stranger. How did he know about him, and what exactly was he getting at?
The fox chuckled softly. "Forgive me- you don't even know who I am," he noted, approaching Nasaccio. "My name is Angelino. I've come here because my boss is interested in your services."
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"Angelino? Do you mean, our Angelino?"
"Cie- it was-a him."
"I thought he hated you."
"Not-a then. Aside, he was-a doing a job."
"Okay… sorry about that. Go on…"
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To say the least, Nasaccio was puzzled. Did he know Angelino's boss?
Angelino shook his head. "Allow me to explain," he began, putting his hand on Nasaccio's shoulder. "My boss is a top-notch crime-lord in need of some new henchmen. He found your criminal history, and seems to think you're good enough for his crime ring."
Nodding, Nasaccio was still dubious about the whole thing. "And-a, what would-a his name be?" he asked.
"He goes by the name Baron Silas Greenback, though the title is a self-given one," Angelino continued. "He's the scourge of all England, and the world. He could rule it all one day… and all he needs are a few more henchmen, like yourself."
Insulted, Nasaccio broke away from Angelino. "No deal," he snapped. "I am-a no one's henchman. I work alone."
Surprised, Angelino raised an eyebrow. "You sure?" he inquired. "I mean, it doesn't look like you have much to live for."
This only confused Nasaccio even more. "Say again?" he queried.
With a heavy sigh, Angelino started circling Nasaccio. "I was speaking with your mother earlier," he explained. "She says she has no intention of letting you leave the house, as far as your own independence. I mean, that's about as fair as keeping your bird there caged up all the time."
The anthro crow nodded in agreement, stroking Stiletto's wings. He did have a point there.
A grim smirk crossed Angelino's snout. "Once more, I recall that your father seems to think of you as a failure," he continued. "He wants you to leave the house and start making your own living; he's become so senile, he doesn't see how your own mother prevents you from doing so."
Again, Nasaccio had to agree with the fox. While not nearly as frail as poor Anita, Juan was beginning to lose his youthful aspects. He wasn't quite as senile as Angelino made his seem, but indeed- Juan wasn't as sharp as he used to be.
As he continued pacing about, the fox stared down Nasaccio. "I hear that the old housemaid is very sick," he hissed. "She raised you, right?" He chuckled. "I don't see why you bother keeping her alive- we all have to die sometime."
Sensing Nasaccio's anger, Stiletto thrust himself forward and cawed loudly, his outstretched wings making him seem bigger and more menacing than he actually was. It was strange how close the two were, as if the wild crow could read his master's mind.
The fox gave Nasaccio an awkward smile. "You trained that bird well," he commented. "Does it do other tricks?"
While Stiletto still had his feathers ruffled, Nasaccio let him rest on his arm and attempted to smooth them out. "Is expert thief," he said. "Is better pick-a-pocket than I."
The fox smiled, showing off his sharp teeth. "Is that so?" he remarked. "Well, I'm sure you could work something out with the Baron. He's an animal lover himself- has a new pet caterpillar named Nero."
Nasaccio sneered. "I tell-a you, no deal," he growled. "I fine here."
Angelino sighed. "I'm only gonna ask this one more time- are you sure?" he told him. "Look around you- you may have everything you need here, but Baron Greenback can offer you something your family could never provide for you… a second chance."
There was silence. Nasaccio was surprised to hear that- a second chance? What did he need a second chance at?
Chuckling, Angelino knew he had the Italian hooked. "You think about that," he said, putting his hat back on. "If you wanna contact the Baron, he'll be in town until next Saturday- he's leaving for Munich to discuss business with another client. He'll be on the 11:00 PM train." He turned to leave, then stopped for a moment. "Oh, and Nasaccio- do you really have it all… or do you long for something more?"
As the fox left, Nasaccio was left to contemplate those thoughts. He had everything he needed, and anything he could possibly want… but was it enough? Was there more he could do with his life? Was this job the answer…?
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" Angelino recruited you?"
"In-a the far run, cie."
"So, when did you meet with the Baron?"
"It took-a while, but soon I was-a convinced."
"How so?"
"… Remember these stories I tell you?"
"Yeah?"
"… Well, here is it where they are coming together…"
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A few days passed, and Nasaccio had yet to consider Angelino's proposal. He had too much else to worry about- his current pick-pocket schemes and caring for Anita. Oh, the thoughts came to him, but often time he shoved them aside and considered other matters.
Saturday night arrived, and still Nasaccio hadn't changed his mind. He sat by the fireplace, reading his novel as usual, trying to keep his mind off his troubles.
Then, without warning, the flutter of wings alerted Nasaccio. Stiletto flew across the room and landed on the carpet; he picked up a shiny object in his beak and fluttered over to Nasaccio, dropped his find- a key.
Curious, Nasaccio picked up the key. This was his mother's desk drawer key; she never let him, Anita, or even Juan peek inside. They knew her valuables were in there… but something told him that there were more than a few pieces of jewelry in there.
After a moment of thought, Nasaccio decided to use the key and open his mother's desk drawer. He was curious, and just wanted a quick peek. She'd be none the wiser.
Nasaccio pushed the key through the keyhole and twisted; the drawer opened abruptly, revealing a rather thick stack of letters. He reached inside and pulled out the letters. Who could these be from?
As he read the envelope, Nasaccio soon discovered a shocking revelation- these letters were from Emily! She did send him letters… and his selfish mother must have hid them from him! He quickly discovered that his own letters were hidden as well, proof that Maria was responsible for destroying what could have been a bright and beautiful future for him!
In his shock, Nasaccio fell backwards onto the floor. He just couldn't believe it… he knew his mother disapproved of his relationship with Emily… but this- this was just too horrible, too cruel for him to understand. How could she do something so terrible?? Why?!
His shock quickly turning into anger, Nasaccio stood up and stormed upstairs. He needed to have a talk with his mother…
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"So? What happened? Did your mom freak out or what??"
"Never getted the chance to say a thing to her."
"Huh? Why?"
"… You could-a say, fate intervened…"
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As he stormed his way upstairs, Nasaccio couldn't help but feel blinded by his rage. All he could think about was how much he now hated his own mother…
At that moment, Stiletto (who had followed his master upstairs) flew into another room. His attention caught, Nasaccio wandered into the room. He gazed across the room; Anita lay in bed, sound asleep.
Comforted, Nasaccio wandered inside and sat down next to the bed. "Anita," he whispered, "are-a you awake? Could I speak with-a you about a thing?"
No reply came from Anita.
Feeling a little uneasy, Nasaccio spoke again. "Anita?" he queried. "Are-a you awake? Speak to me."
Again, Anita did not respond.
Now overcome with fear, Nasaccio stood up and clutched Anita's hand. "Anita," he gasped, his breaths heavy. "Anita! Anita, wake up!"
It was then that Nasaccio discovered yet another disappointment. Not only was Anita silent… but her hands were cold and lifeless. Anita had died, peacefully in her sleep.
Without a word, Nasaccio let go of Anita's hand. He trembled for a moment in utter disbelief. She was gone… his caretaker and closest friend, gone.
Feeling weak from the grief, Nasaccio fell to his knees and cried. This was horrible- Anita was dead, and there wasn't anything he could do to change that. His whole world was collapsing around him, an avalanche caused by death and deception… why was this happening to him??
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"Oh, snap…"
"…"
"It's okay, go ahead and take a break… I'm here for you."
"…Grazi, Sabrina."
"No problem…"
"…"
"Ready now?"
"… Cie, cie, am ready to go on…"
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After a while, Nasaccio wiped away the last of his tears and stood. He called Stiletto over and left the room, closing the door behind him. He could tell his father what happened in the morning.
As Nasaccio descended the stairway, he noticed that Stiletto now had something else in his beak- a note, crumpled up a bit and worn out from time.
Curious, Nasaccio took the note from Stiletto's beak and opened it, reading the fairly legible print:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Dear Mr. Cornetto-
"The next time you wanna abandon a baby, try throwing him someplace he won't be noticed. Really, the spaghetti bushes? Surely, you jest.
"From a couple of hungry wolves,
"Ron Millar and Remould"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It took a moment for Nasaccio's outrage to sink in again (after all, Anita had just passed away). Still, he couldn't help but feel that he had been destined for failure from the start- if his own father had tossed him to the wolves, surely he had a reason!
Crumpling up the note and throwing it to the ground, Nasaccio returned upstairs. His life had been a sham… and now he was off to fix that…
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"So, you took Angelino's offer at the last minute?"
"Cie, cie… but had to rush."
"Why? Was it that late?"
"Cie- I had-a small time to prepare…"
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Quickly, Nasaccio gathered a few belongings in a small pouch. He grabbed his knife, a bag of crackers for Stiletto, and some bandages (hey, where he was going, they could be useful), and tied the sack together.
Having grabbed everything he was going to need, Nasaccio called for Stiletto and ran downstairs. He stopped in the parlor and noticed a few things- the book he was reading, and a small family portrait (with Anita). He grabbed both of these things, shoved them into the sack, and headed for the door.
As he stormed out, Nasaccio grabbed his hat and a loose-fitting jacket to keep from getting cold or wet. He also grabbed a belt to tie around his waist, since his jacket had a tendency to flutter about in strong winds.
Nasaccio then headed for the garage. He couldn't take his car- it made too much noise, and it would be easier for someone to track him down. So instead, he took his bike, placing his pouch in the wicker basket on the handlebars.
Once outside the gates of his former home, Nasaccio took one last glance at the house. Perhaps, had things gone well, he could have been someone important… someone his family would be proud of… but, alas, it was too late for him. The Cornetto family didn't need a failure like him…
With a scoffing snort, Nasaccio peddled away. Stiletto flew close behind, not leaving his master's side for more than a few meters. Tonight, Italy would lose one of her constant nuisances… and the world would gain a new assistant to its downfall…
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"It's times like this when I feel like I'm reading a novel. You're good at story-telling, Stiletto."
"Grazi, Sabrina. Is nice of-a you to tell."
"Don't mention it- I just thought I'd give you a compliment. Anyway, go on…"
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Some time later, Nasaccio finally arrived in Rome. The train station was about a mile from where he was… and he had five minutes to catch the train.
Peddling along furiously, Nasaccio kept his mind busy with other thoughts. He was finally leaving behind all his cares and woes, and embracing a second chance to make something of himself. Who knows? Perhaps he would one day be a VIP to the Baron himself…
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"Talk about foreshadowing."
"Ironic, cie?"
"Tell me about it… sorry, go ahead…"
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At last, Nasaccio finally made it to the train station, and not a minute too soon! According to his watch, he still had two minutes to catch the train.
Suddenly, a steam whistle blew loudly. The train was leaving the station early!
Shocked, Nasaccio grabbed his belongings and left the bike behind (he wouldn't need it where he was going). He sprinted after the train, gasping for breath as he drew closer to the last car.
A familiar figure stepped out and looked down at Stiletto. "My, my- look who we have here," he teased slyly. "It's Nasaccio Cornetto. Decided to take up my offer, huh?"
"Shut-a your mouth!" Nasaccio snapped. "Help-a me, Angelino!!"
Groaning, the fox pulled out a long thick rope. "If you insist," he murmured. "Here- grab this!"
As soon as the rope was within his reach, Nasaccio grabbed it and held on tight. He kept on running as Angelino pulled him in, and eventually he made it onto the train.
Gasping for breath, Nasaccio fell against the side of the car to rest for a moment. He didn't wanna do that again for a while!
Angelino smirked. "You've got spunk," he remarked. "I think the Baron will be most pleased with you…"
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"Your first meeting with the Baron? How'd that go?"
"As-a good as-a can be expected of it…"
"Not good?"
"No, no… just strange, cie?"
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After giving Nasaccio a moment or two to catch his breath, Angelino led him inside. The aisles of the train cars were dark and dimly lit; most of the passengers were trying to sleep. The conductor would wake them when they arrived in Munich in the morning.
A bit wary, Nasaccio kept his eyes peeled. Likewise, Stiletto (who had quickly joined his master since the train incident) always turned his head about. You could never be sure what was lurking in those dark corners.
Finally, the fox directed Nasaccio and his pet to a door. "The Baron's inside," he told them. "Keep your composure and let him know your intentions; he hates having to beat around the bush."
Nodding, Nasaccio approached the door and turned the handle. He stepped inside and gazed straight at a pair of large yellow eyes. "Come in, Nasaccio," a hoarse voice addressed. "I've been waiting for you."
The anthro crow closed the door behind him and sat down. "What-a you want?" he asked.
Baron Greenback chuckled, pulling on the lamp cord to "enlighten" the scene. Nasaccio beheld the Baron's true form- a fat green toad, dressed casually in a manilla business suit. "I'm so glad you decided to accept my services," he said. "I hear you're quite the trouble-maker. Ever since your childhood years… filching rattles, teasing the neighborhood dogs, tricking unsuspecting tourists…"
Nasaccio shrugged. Parlor tricks, as far as he was concerned. He got a good laugh from them when he was younger, but the times had changed him.
It was then that the Baron noticed Stiletto, perched on Nasaccio's shoulder. "What a fine bird you have there," he complimented, holding out a small white fuzz-ball. "I myself have a pet- meet Nero, my purebred caterpillar."
The fuzzy white caterpillar glanced up at Nasaccio for a moment. It hissed, bouncing right back into the Baron's arms. "Feisty little one, isn't he?" he commented as Nero curled up and started purring loudly.
Needless to say, Stiletto was a bit on-edge. He ruffled his feathers, a sign of his aggravation.
As Nasaccio smoothed out his bird's feathers, he continued his conversation with the Baron. "So, what-a you want from me?"
"My demands are simple," Greenback responded. "I want your services."
Puzzled, Nasaccio leaned in closer. "How is this?" he questioned.
The Baron smiled. "My boy, I need skilled men like yourself to help me in my quest for world domination," he explained. "I don't know how exactly I'll use you, but somehow I will."
Of course, Nasaccio knew by now that folks like the Baron couldn't be trusted; if he was getting himself into a situation, he might as well be prepared for it. "What-a you need from-a me?" he asked.
Taking out a single piece of paper and a pen, Greenback slid them over to Nasaccio. "Just sign on the crooked line, and you'll become my assistant," he answered. "The contract is just a formality- to ensure your safety and care while in my organization."
Though unsure of himself, Nasaccio picked up the pen. Was he doing the right thing? After all, why would a villain like Baron Greenback offer him a contract? Something about this organization seemed suspicious…
Greenback stared at Nasaccio, hoping to regain the boy's confidence. "This is the ultimate opportunity for you," he pressed. "Think about all those people in your life who let you down… those that hurt you… those that thought you were a failure… this is your chance to right those horrible wrongs… and all you have to do is sign."
A flurry of painful memories came back to Nasaccio. Sister Gabriella, and the torture she put him through… Emily, and her unfaithfulness… Maria, who desired to keep him caged up forever… Juan, who thought him a failure… and the loss of Anita, his only true friend.
Hatred welling up inside him, Nasaccio signed his name on the crooked line. So what if he was getting himself into more trouble than he bargained for? As far as he was concerned, it was worth it.
A grim smirk crossed Baron Greenback's face. "So, we've reached an understanding," he said, rolling up the contract and slipping it into his pocket. "Your first task is simple- accompany Angelino to our next client's home in Munich. After a while, we'll return to my headquarters in England, where we will discuss a more… permanent position for you."
Nasaccio nodded, standing to leave. He needed rest- today had been quite stressful.
Then, the Baron halted him. "Just a moment," he snapped. "I'm going to have to take possession of that bird."
Surprised, Nasaccio let Stiletto perch on his arm as he held on to the bird's feet. "What-a you need Stiletto for?" he inquired.
With a sly chuckle, Greenback brought out the contract again. "You have to agree to the conditions," he noted. "Your personal belongings are mine now." He paused. "If it makes you feel better, I assure you that… Stiletto will be well cared for."
Again, Nasaccio was unsure of what to do. Stiletto didn't want to leave his master, but what could he do? He signed a contract…
Sighing heavily, Nasaccio stroked Stiletto's feathers one last time. "You must go," he whispered.
Baron Greenback gestured to a small cage in the corner. Nasaccio walked over and opened the cage, nudging Stiletto inside. He gave the wild crow a few crackers and closed the cage. "Arrivederci."
As Nasaccio left the Baron's office, Stiletto fluttered about in his cage a bit. He didn't feel safe in this cold dark place…
Greenback chuckled. "My fine feathered friend," he hissed, "you are going to prove to be quite the useful tool…"
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"So what happened in Munich?"
"Not importante to story."
"Okay. Then where?"
"Berlin. Again, no importante."
"Well, when does it get important?"
"Right here, in-a England…"
(Yeah, shorter chapter, I know, but there wasn't much to write about… the next chapter should be just as short… followed by a longer chapter, and finally the epilogue, so… bear with me, folks! We're getting there!
(By the way… it wouldn't hurt to leave a review, if you could please. I accept anonymous reviews, and if you leave your email address I'll send a thank-you your way…)