div class="userstuff module" style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-size: 15.12px; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'GNU Unifont', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 1074.45px; float: none; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: #2a2a2a;" role="article"
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The little pink room was one of the smallest rooms in the palazzo, but perhaps one of the ones with the best view. With just an armchair, a sofa, and a table with two chairs perfect for serving tea, it was one of Giorno's favorite places when he needed to get out of his office but continue working. He tried never to take work into his bedroom./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"They had always told him that the biggest flaw in the room was the lack of sun due to the abundance of trees. Even if the sun rays didn't hurt him too much, he was more comfortable in the gloom, so it made the room even better./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne found the office with little trouble after a servant pointed her in the right direction. As soon as she entered, Giorno politely stood up from his chair./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Thank you for coming. May I touch you?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Wow, usually people take me out to dinner first," she replied in a sarcastic tone, trying to hide the fact that she had been caught off guard. "Did Rohan do something to help you?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""It depends. I'd like to test it out. If I may?" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"When she extended her hand to him, he took it with a smile. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Huh, it just feels like a regular hand. A very lovely hand, mind you, but my sanity isn't trying to jump out the window." Looking into her eyes, his face tilted slightly as he left a light kiss on the back of her hand. "Gspan style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"razie/span, Jolyne."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""You're welcome. It's good that you're feeling comfortable and in control," she said, trying to find something to change the subject. She avoided his gaze by looking at the lake instead./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""It's good, right," agreed Giorno, mentally scolding himself for having unnecessarily flirted with her. "It's good for you too."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I guess. Always a nice thing to not have someone wanting to bleed me out," she said, visibly uncomfortable. "Just kidding, I know you'd never... But you're right, it's much better this way."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Right…" Noticing her discomfort, Giorno shifted his attention to the time. "I have a meeting with span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"miei cosiglieri /spannow." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne stood up to leave, thinking he was politely kicking her out, but he quickly stopped her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""But I would like for you to attend; the topic of our discussion partially pertains to you after all. I also want to introduce you to someone."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne followed him into the boardroom, where they were the first to arrive. Or at least that's what she believed until Giorno started to greet someone. Her first thought was that there was someone with an invisible Stand, but Giorno went to a terrarium./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I want to officially introduce you to one of my highest esteemed consigliere, Jean Pierre Polnareff," Giorno said formally, holding a turtle in his hand. "I think you know Miss Kujo."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""There is no need to be so formal," said the turtle. "I woke up just yesterday and I found to my surprise that my dear Jolyne is here." A little ghost could be seen floating above the head, his voice sounding a bit sad. "Do you still remember me?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I would never forget the funniest person I've ever met," Jolyne told him with a smile, taking him from Giorno's hand. "You're not the only one who's changed so much."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Yes, you sure have made yourself a belle femme." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne wore a cheeky grin, opening her mouth to say something, but he immediately cut in. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Don't you dare try to tell me that I'm more handsome now in a reptile's body than I was in my gallant human one," he said, brightening up his tone a bit. "Your father must be going crazy with how beautiful you've become and how little he likes people hanging around you."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Remembering what Rikiel had said, about her dad being back on his feet and angry, Jolyne could only imagine. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"It didn't take long for the others to arrive. They found Polnareff awake and chatting happily with Jolyne, who had unknowingly seated herself at some point. She occupied the chair that was usually taken up by Mista, right next to Giorno./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I thought this was a meeting for span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"consiglieri/span," Fugo said dryly, pulling out his seat. "Why is she here?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Sorry, I'm late," said Trish, suddenly entering. She was not a consigliere either, but it was not unusual for her to show up at these meetings. "Sorellina, you're sitting in Mista's place! Guido, come here, don't you see that that spot is taken?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne shifted in her seat, surveying the faces around the table. She supposed a mob meeting would have been more imposing if it weren't for the fact that she already knew them all. It gave her a certain sense of familiarity./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""If you don't mind, we will hold the meeting in English so that Jolyne can understand us, as this concerns her," Giorno told them. They all nodded, though two in particular did so more reluctantly. "Well, as you know, someone leaked my movements, which led to the attack in Nápoles. I finally have information."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""That's great," said Narancia, bumping his fist with excitement. "Gimme the name and I'll take care of it in a few hours."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I'm afraid it's not that easy. All the sources point toward Antonio Torchio." There were a couple of hisses of surprise at the table. "You all know I can't just eliminate a span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"capo /spanof that level without confirming his involvement first. My sources also tell me that he is going to meet someone suspicious at his daughter's birthday party."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""An infiltration mission then, just like before," said Bruno./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""An infiltration will not be necessary, as I've been invited. I normally do not go, as you know, but this is a great opportunity since I can take advantage of the confusion. Thoughts?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I can use my Stand to sneak into something on you," suggested Bruno. "While you go with Trish and do some digging..."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Fugo interjected. "Unfortunately, everyone knows you, one of the Don's most ruthless consiglieri; unlike Mr. Polnareff, you're not very reclusive. They'll already have reason to be suspicious of Giorno's unusual attendance, but there will be real cause for alarm if one of his advisors shows up as well."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"There were nods of agreement around the table. Bruno leaned back, realizing he'd have to sit this one out. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbachio patted his shoulder from beside him. "Perhaps we can sneak in later and use Moody Blues when everyone else is gone," he suggested./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"It didn't sound like a bad idea, but Fugo played Devil's advocate again. "The site is very well guarded, especially after a recent burglary attempt. It will be extremely difficult to sneak in, but not quite impossible." He glanced at his tablet, where he had all the reports about Torchio. "But if we can't think of anything else, then—"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I… I have an idea," Jolyne suddenly said, cutting him off. Heads turned in her direction; most of them looked surprised, as if having forgotten she was there./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Fugo glanced up from his tablet, looking a little impatient. "Miss Kujo, this meeting was for span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"consiglieri /spanonly. You were only invited to sit here and listen due to the Don's graciousness."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""But I…"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Seeing Fugo about to interrupt her again, Giorno was about to say something when he caught Mista frowning at him from the corner of his eye. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Just let her speak, Fugo," Abbachio butted in. "As you've pointed out, using Moody Blues will be very risky. If she's got a better idea, why shouldn't we at least hear her out?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Fugo looked for confirmation at Giorno, who nodded. He watched Jolyne curiously like everyone else./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""If I go too, I can use my Stand's strings to feel sound vibrations, allowing me to eavesdrop on secret conversations from very, very far places. Dozens of feet… er, meters away." She caught herself, remembering that Italy used the metric system. "My understanding of Italian still has a long way to go before its fluent, but I can at least repeat everything I hear. Nobody knows me either."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"There was silence. Jolyne hadn't expected much, but the expressionless faces were a bit unnerving. She almost regretted saying anything. For some reason, she was too nervous to look at the head of the table. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Finally, it was broken by someone a few seconds later./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""That's silly, not just anybody can…" Mista started./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Actually, that's a great idea," said Bruno, much to Jolyne's joy and relief. "With her good looks, we could easily slip her in by passing her off as the Don's lover. The fact that she's a foreigner would give fewer reasons for suspicion. You know, since nobody respectable would marry an American span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"troia/span instead of a good Italian span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"donna/span. No offense, Jolyne, but North Americans are just for fun, non-threatening to the eligible bachelorettes."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Yes, she's quite skillful with that ability of hers to listen from afar," supported Abbacchio. "She demonstrated it to me when we used it to play a prank on Narancia."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I knew it!" Narancia shouted, pointing at them accusingly. "Those tarot cards didn't seem right!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Giorno tapped his fingers against the table rhythmically, looking thoughtful but still doubtful. "I don't know. It could be dangerous."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Come on, it's much more dangerous for me not to catch whoever is selling the information," Jolyne said in her wayward girlish voice, tugging at his suit's right sleeve. "Besides, you know I can kick anyone's ass if they deserve it. You've seen it. And… I told you before, I'm going to go crazy if I don't do span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"something /spanto help. I want to help as much as I can. Please?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I don't know," said Giorno, looking away so that no one could see the splotch of pink on his face. "I'll have to think about it." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"He actually had a few ideas of his own for the mission that might work, but he decided right then not to divulge them./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""The lover thing will be easily believable," Trish whispered to Bruno, holding back a giggle./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Jolyne is much more prepared now than you were back when we took control of the organization," said Bruno, supporting his disciple. "And she's right. Put an arm around her, walk side by side, and she'll be just another pretty face at the party."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I still think this isn't a good idea. Just how is she going to repeat everything back to us?" Fugo looked at Jolyne expressionlessly before switching his speech to Italian. "Transcribing isn't a simple task at all. It's already difficult for most people to keep up with everything they hear and that's if they're listening to their native tongue, let alone a language where their understanding barely exceeds that of a kindergartener."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Posso capirti, cretino isterico."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"There was pin drop silence as everyone stared at Jolyne. Her face mirrored Fugo's previously serious expression./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bruno coughed, trying to dispel some of the tension. "I'm sure it'll be fine. There are three days remaining, so perhaps she could practice a little. If it fails and she can't manage to give us anything useful, we could always bring Moody Blues in afterward as a backup."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"At this point, even Fugo had to agree. As long as Bucciarati's trust in her wasn't misplaced, the whole plan was the most workable. Giorno figured that working beside her without going crazy for her blood should be easy. Even if he wasn't sure, he admitted that it was the best bet they had./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I don't know if she's busty enough or if her crazy colored hair can be considered inconspicuous enough to look like the lover of someone important," Mista began, earning himself an elbow in the rib from Trish. His voice turned high-pitch. "But it could work."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"With the last of them agreeing, it was settled that they would go with Jolyne's plan./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Well, the party is in three days and Trish told me you don't own any ball gowns," said Giorno. "You should shop for one tomorrow."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Che figo!/span" Trish said, pumping her fist enthusiastically. "I'm totally up for another shopping day."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Remembering their last shopping outing together, Jolyne's smile froze on her face./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""You're always welcome," Giorno replied, "but this time, I'm going as well. I need to purchase a few items, and I have an appointment in Piazza Di Spagna. It's been a while since I've visited Versace's." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Trish gasped, becoming hesitant. "Versace's? Maybe it should just be you and Sorellina then..."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I'll go as well as a bodyguard," Mista said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Oh. In that case, tell me when we're leaving," Trish said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Trish was smarter than most people gave her credit for. She had picked up on Mista's animosity toward Jolyne very quickly. She also suspected that Giorno didn't really need to take Jolyne anywhere personally; he just wanted to go with her. It might not be a date, but maybe it could turn into one. She and Abba had spoken, and they were sure that Giorno had feelings for Jolyne. In that case, she would make things easy for her friend. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The news about Rohan's help was running fast in her close circle; she had learned that Giorno received assistance in keeping his mind off Jolyne's blood, though Trish would have noticed it anyway when she saw how calm he was. He could say whatever he wanted, but she had known him for ten years now and could say with confidence that his constant attention had nothing to do with hunger./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"What was supposed to be a quiet afternoon for Jolyne soon overturned into a test. Phone in hand, she clicked away. The fingers that were not pressing buttons were currently unraveled into long strings that could be traced to a few rooms over. She had to show that she was capable of transcribing the conversation between Polnareff and Narancia all the way from there. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Narancia was updating Polnareff on what he had missed in one of his favorite cartoons, span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Adventure Time/span. Taking into account that Jolyne barely knew anything about the show and that there were a lot of bizarre things that happened in the series, the fact that she was able to write everything down was impressive. She couldn't imagine what a nightmare it would be if she didn't have Rohan's gift to help her. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I think I'm doing well," Jolyne said to Bruno when he came by to check on how she was doing. "Or at least I think so. I don't understand everything, but I think he talked about a magical dog and a unicorn having puppies. If I'm getting that right, I now know what series I'm starting next."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""If Narancia has not misinformed me, there are six magical half-unicorn cubs," Bruno told her, trying to stay serious with difficulty. He was observing her and couldn't help but laugh./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Maybe I could consider watching the dubbed Italian version as my homework," suggested Jolyne. "Now they're talking about a vampire having a new house, but I don't know if he's referring to the series, or if Giorno has purchased some new property. Oh, it's a female vampire. From the show. Or so I hope."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Maybe we should have thought of a topic of conversation similar to what will be said at the party," said Bruno, shaking his head. "But as far as I'm concerned, you are ready. You should rest, maybe pamper yourself a little. Shopping with Giorno can be worse than going with Trish."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""You're starting to scare me," Jolyne said half-jokingly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Well, my dear, fear is nature's way of preparing us."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"-/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px auto 1.286em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbacchio: Everyone thinks that I respect Giorno now because he's the Don, but I respect him as much as I respect the other consiglieri. Which is to say I don't./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bruno: Leone!/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbacchio: Just joking, I respect you./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bruno: Ohhh/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The others: Hey!/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbacchio: Yeah, kidding again. I respect Trish too./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The others: BUT SHE ISN'T EVEN A CONSIGLIERE!/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbacchio: I said what I said./p
/div
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The little pink room was one of the smallest rooms in the palazzo, but perhaps one of the ones with the best view. With just an armchair, a sofa, and a table with two chairs perfect for serving tea, it was one of Giorno's favorite places when he needed to get out of his office but continue working. He tried never to take work into his bedroom./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"They had always told him that the biggest flaw in the room was the lack of sun due to the abundance of trees. Even if the sun rays didn't hurt him too much, he was more comfortable in the gloom, so it made the room even better./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne found the office with little trouble after a servant pointed her in the right direction. As soon as she entered, Giorno politely stood up from his chair./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Thank you for coming. May I touch you?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Wow, usually people take me out to dinner first," she replied in a sarcastic tone, trying to hide the fact that she had been caught off guard. "Did Rohan do something to help you?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""It depends. I'd like to test it out. If I may?" /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"When she extended her hand to him, he took it with a smile. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Huh, it just feels like a regular hand. A very lovely hand, mind you, but my sanity isn't trying to jump out the window." Looking into her eyes, his face tilted slightly as he left a light kiss on the back of her hand. "Gspan style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"razie/span, Jolyne."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""You're welcome. It's good that you're feeling comfortable and in control," she said, trying to find something to change the subject. She avoided his gaze by looking at the lake instead./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""It's good, right," agreed Giorno, mentally scolding himself for having unnecessarily flirted with her. "It's good for you too."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I guess. Always a nice thing to not have someone wanting to bleed me out," she said, visibly uncomfortable. "Just kidding, I know you'd never... But you're right, it's much better this way."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Right…" Noticing her discomfort, Giorno shifted his attention to the time. "I have a meeting with span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"miei cosiglieri /spannow." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne stood up to leave, thinking he was politely kicking her out, but he quickly stopped her./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""But I would like for you to attend; the topic of our discussion partially pertains to you after all. I also want to introduce you to someone."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne followed him into the boardroom, where they were the first to arrive. Or at least that's what she believed until Giorno started to greet someone. Her first thought was that there was someone with an invisible Stand, but Giorno went to a terrarium./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I want to officially introduce you to one of my highest esteemed consigliere, Jean Pierre Polnareff," Giorno said formally, holding a turtle in his hand. "I think you know Miss Kujo."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""There is no need to be so formal," said the turtle. "I woke up just yesterday and I found to my surprise that my dear Jolyne is here." A little ghost could be seen floating above the head, his voice sounding a bit sad. "Do you still remember me?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I would never forget the funniest person I've ever met," Jolyne told him with a smile, taking him from Giorno's hand. "You're not the only one who's changed so much."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Yes, you sure have made yourself a belle femme." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne wore a cheeky grin, opening her mouth to say something, but he immediately cut in. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Don't you dare try to tell me that I'm more handsome now in a reptile's body than I was in my gallant human one," he said, brightening up his tone a bit. "Your father must be going crazy with how beautiful you've become and how little he likes people hanging around you."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Remembering what Rikiel had said, about her dad being back on his feet and angry, Jolyne could only imagine. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"It didn't take long for the others to arrive. They found Polnareff awake and chatting happily with Jolyne, who had unknowingly seated herself at some point. She occupied the chair that was usually taken up by Mista, right next to Giorno./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I thought this was a meeting for span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"consiglieri/span," Fugo said dryly, pulling out his seat. "Why is she here?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Sorry, I'm late," said Trish, suddenly entering. She was not a consigliere either, but it was not unusual for her to show up at these meetings. "Sorellina, you're sitting in Mista's place! Guido, come here, don't you see that that spot is taken?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Jolyne shifted in her seat, surveying the faces around the table. She supposed a mob meeting would have been more imposing if it weren't for the fact that she already knew them all. It gave her a certain sense of familiarity./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""If you don't mind, we will hold the meeting in English so that Jolyne can understand us, as this concerns her," Giorno told them. They all nodded, though two in particular did so more reluctantly. "Well, as you know, someone leaked my movements, which led to the attack in Nápoles. I finally have information."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""That's great," said Narancia, bumping his fist with excitement. "Gimme the name and I'll take care of it in a few hours."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I'm afraid it's not that easy. All the sources point toward Antonio Torchio." There were a couple of hisses of surprise at the table. "You all know I can't just eliminate a span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"capo /spanof that level without confirming his involvement first. My sources also tell me that he is going to meet someone suspicious at his daughter's birthday party."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""An infiltration mission then, just like before," said Bruno./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""An infiltration will not be necessary, as I've been invited. I normally do not go, as you know, but this is a great opportunity since I can take advantage of the confusion. Thoughts?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I can use my Stand to sneak into something on you," suggested Bruno. "While you go with Trish and do some digging..."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Fugo interjected. "Unfortunately, everyone knows you, one of the Don's most ruthless consiglieri; unlike Mr. Polnareff, you're not very reclusive. They'll already have reason to be suspicious of Giorno's unusual attendance, but there will be real cause for alarm if one of his advisors shows up as well."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"There were nods of agreement around the table. Bruno leaned back, realizing he'd have to sit this one out. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbachio patted his shoulder from beside him. "Perhaps we can sneak in later and use Moody Blues when everyone else is gone," he suggested./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"It didn't sound like a bad idea, but Fugo played Devil's advocate again. "The site is very well guarded, especially after a recent burglary attempt. It will be extremely difficult to sneak in, but not quite impossible." He glanced at his tablet, where he had all the reports about Torchio. "But if we can't think of anything else, then—"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I… I have an idea," Jolyne suddenly said, cutting him off. Heads turned in her direction; most of them looked surprised, as if having forgotten she was there./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Fugo glanced up from his tablet, looking a little impatient. "Miss Kujo, this meeting was for span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"consiglieri /spanonly. You were only invited to sit here and listen due to the Don's graciousness."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""But I…"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Seeing Fugo about to interrupt her again, Giorno was about to say something when he caught Mista frowning at him from the corner of his eye. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Just let her speak, Fugo," Abbachio butted in. "As you've pointed out, using Moody Blues will be very risky. If she's got a better idea, why shouldn't we at least hear her out?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Fugo looked for confirmation at Giorno, who nodded. He watched Jolyne curiously like everyone else./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""If I go too, I can use my Stand's strings to feel sound vibrations, allowing me to eavesdrop on secret conversations from very, very far places. Dozens of feet… er, meters away." She caught herself, remembering that Italy used the metric system. "My understanding of Italian still has a long way to go before its fluent, but I can at least repeat everything I hear. Nobody knows me either."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"There was silence. Jolyne hadn't expected much, but the expressionless faces were a bit unnerving. She almost regretted saying anything. For some reason, she was too nervous to look at the head of the table. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Finally, it was broken by someone a few seconds later./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""That's silly, not just anybody can…" Mista started./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Actually, that's a great idea," said Bruno, much to Jolyne's joy and relief. "With her good looks, we could easily slip her in by passing her off as the Don's lover. The fact that she's a foreigner would give fewer reasons for suspicion. You know, since nobody respectable would marry an American span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"troia/span instead of a good Italian span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"donna/span. No offense, Jolyne, but North Americans are just for fun, non-threatening to the eligible bachelorettes."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Yes, she's quite skillful with that ability of hers to listen from afar," supported Abbacchio. "She demonstrated it to me when we used it to play a prank on Narancia."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I knew it!" Narancia shouted, pointing at them accusingly. "Those tarot cards didn't seem right!"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Giorno tapped his fingers against the table rhythmically, looking thoughtful but still doubtful. "I don't know. It could be dangerous."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Come on, it's much more dangerous for me not to catch whoever is selling the information," Jolyne said in her wayward girlish voice, tugging at his suit's right sleeve. "Besides, you know I can kick anyone's ass if they deserve it. You've seen it. And… I told you before, I'm going to go crazy if I don't do span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"something /spanto help. I want to help as much as I can. Please?"/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I don't know," said Giorno, looking away so that no one could see the splotch of pink on his face. "I'll have to think about it." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"He actually had a few ideas of his own for the mission that might work, but he decided right then not to divulge them./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""The lover thing will be easily believable," Trish whispered to Bruno, holding back a giggle./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Jolyne is much more prepared now than you were back when we took control of the organization," said Bruno, supporting his disciple. "And she's right. Put an arm around her, walk side by side, and she'll be just another pretty face at the party."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I still think this isn't a good idea. Just how is she going to repeat everything back to us?" Fugo looked at Jolyne expressionlessly before switching his speech to Italian. "Transcribing isn't a simple task at all. It's already difficult for most people to keep up with everything they hear and that's if they're listening to their native tongue, let alone a language where their understanding barely exceeds that of a kindergartener."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Posso capirti, cretino isterico."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"There was pin drop silence as everyone stared at Jolyne. Her face mirrored Fugo's previously serious expression./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bruno coughed, trying to dispel some of the tension. "I'm sure it'll be fine. There are three days remaining, so perhaps she could practice a little. If it fails and she can't manage to give us anything useful, we could always bring Moody Blues in afterward as a backup."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"At this point, even Fugo had to agree. As long as Bucciarati's trust in her wasn't misplaced, the whole plan was the most workable. Giorno figured that working beside her without going crazy for her blood should be easy. Even if he wasn't sure, he admitted that it was the best bet they had./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I don't know if she's busty enough or if her crazy colored hair can be considered inconspicuous enough to look like the lover of someone important," Mista began, earning himself an elbow in the rib from Trish. His voice turned high-pitch. "But it could work."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"With the last of them agreeing, it was settled that they would go with Jolyne's plan./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Well, the party is in three days and Trish told me you don't own any ball gowns," said Giorno. "You should shop for one tomorrow."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Che figo!/span" Trish said, pumping her fist enthusiastically. "I'm totally up for another shopping day."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Remembering their last shopping outing together, Jolyne's smile froze on her face./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""You're always welcome," Giorno replied, "but this time, I'm going as well. I need to purchase a few items, and I have an appointment in Piazza Di Spagna. It's been a while since I've visited Versace's." /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Trish gasped, becoming hesitant. "Versace's? Maybe it should just be you and Sorellina then..."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I'll go as well as a bodyguard," Mista said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Oh. In that case, tell me when we're leaving," Trish said./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Trish was smarter than most people gave her credit for. She had picked up on Mista's animosity toward Jolyne very quickly. She also suspected that Giorno didn't really need to take Jolyne anywhere personally; he just wanted to go with her. It might not be a date, but maybe it could turn into one. She and Abba had spoken, and they were sure that Giorno had feelings for Jolyne. In that case, she would make things easy for her friend. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The news about Rohan's help was running fast in her close circle; she had learned that Giorno received assistance in keeping his mind off Jolyne's blood, though Trish would have noticed it anyway when she saw how calm he was. He could say whatever he wanted, but she had known him for ten years now and could say with confidence that his constant attention had nothing to do with hunger./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"What was supposed to be a quiet afternoon for Jolyne soon overturned into a test. Phone in hand, she clicked away. The fingers that were not pressing buttons were currently unraveled into long strings that could be traced to a few rooms over. She had to show that she was capable of transcribing the conversation between Polnareff and Narancia all the way from there. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Narancia was updating Polnareff on what he had missed in one of his favorite cartoons, span style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: oblique; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"Adventure Time/span. Taking into account that Jolyne barely knew anything about the show and that there were a lot of bizarre things that happened in the series, the fact that she was able to write everything down was impressive. She couldn't imagine what a nightmare it would be if she didn't have Rohan's gift to help her. /p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""I think I'm doing well," Jolyne said to Bruno when he came by to check on how she was doing. "Or at least I think so. I don't understand everything, but I think he talked about a magical dog and a unicorn having puppies. If I'm getting that right, I now know what series I'm starting next."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""If Narancia has not misinformed me, there are six magical half-unicorn cubs," Bruno told her, trying to stay serious with difficulty. He was observing her and couldn't help but laugh./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Maybe I could consider watching the dubbed Italian version as my homework," suggested Jolyne. "Now they're talking about a vampire having a new house, but I don't know if he's referring to the series, or if Giorno has purchased some new property. Oh, it's a female vampire. From the show. Or so I hope."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Maybe we should have thought of a topic of conversation similar to what will be said at the party," said Bruno, shaking his head. "But as far as I'm concerned, you are ready. You should rest, maybe pamper yourself a little. Shopping with Giorno can be worse than going with Trish."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""You're starting to scare me," Jolyne said half-jokingly./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;""Well, my dear, fear is nature's way of preparing us."/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-weight: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"-/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 0px auto 1.286em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbacchio: Everyone thinks that I respect Giorno now because he's the Don, but I respect him as much as I respect the other consiglieri. Which is to say I don't./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bruno: Leone!/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbacchio: Just joking, I respect you./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Bruno: Ohhh/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The others: Hey!/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbacchio: Yeah, kidding again. I respect Trish too./p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"The others: BUT SHE ISN'T EVEN A CONSIGLIERE!/p
p style="border: 0px; outline: 0px; font-family: 'lucida grande', 'lucida sans unicode', Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; list-style: none; margin: 1.286em auto 0px; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.5;"Abbacchio: I said what I said./p
/div