Page 143 of Inside the Sun

Anzo gave me a month. Then, I have to give him Summer’s secret.

And after that? Who the hell knows.

Half an hour later, when I get back to my room, there’s something new waiting for me.

On the nightstand, there are two boxes. I slowly open the first one, feeling a wave of anxiety, and inside I find a vape penI’ve never seen before; sleek, lightweight, and clearly unused. Next to it is another box with two spare cartridges, still sealed, and a short USB-C charging cable coiled neatly beside them.

What the fuck? Did Ennio send me this?

For a while, I just stand there, staring blankly. I’m not a regular vape user, nor do I plan to become one, but I have to admit, the gesture is kind of… nice. Maybe even thoughtful.

Which makes me wonder: is Ennio as much of a psycho as Anzo and Rocco? These people seem to have layers. What’s on the surface is hard to read, and underneath, things are clearly a lot more complicated.

Still, I shouldn’t let myself be fooled by appearances. One thing’s for sure: he might’ve sent me a vape, but he’s not going to help me escape, or report my situation to the uncorrupted branch of the police.

So the kind gesture, however nice it might seem, is just that, aninsignificantgesture. Like handing a flower to a starving man. It doesn’t really change anything.

I sigh, rolling the vape between my fingers. Should I use it?

For now, I can’t decide.

Maybe right before Anzo summons me to the black room? That would be a smart time to do it…

***

That evening, for the first time since I was locked in the black room, I show up for dinner.

Eliano’s surprised look welcomes me the moment I step through the door. I must look like hell.

Rocco sends me a predatory glare, his eyes are narrowed. Mauro stays glued to his plate like always. Luca’s expression is unreadable. Typical.

Ennio’s here too, but his face is as blank, cold, and detached as always, like some tax clerk staring at an empty spreadsheet. There’s a brief moment when I catch his gaze and try to give a small nod, intending to say thanks for the vape, but he looks away far too quickly.

For a second, I also catch Summer’s gaze. But he drops his eyes just as fast.

My chair is still there, waiting. I sit down in silence and start eating.

As usual, the table is mostly quiet, with only brief exchanges between Ennio and Rocco.

There’s a similar vibe between those two as there is between Ennio and Anzo. Rocco seems to respect his opinion. Maybe Ennio really is some kind ofconsigliereproxy? Seems a bit young for the job, but he’s well-educated.

From what I remember on the blogThe Truth Only I Know, he holds a master’s degree with multiple majors, including Real Estate, Construction Management, Property Management, and Business Administration. Rocco and Luca, on the other hand, only have a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

This time, however, they’re talking about the upcoming Senate election.

Rocco says Mark pretty much has it in the bag. Ennio argues that an omega named Tim Kellan, a former prosecutor, has a real shot too.

"If that happens, he’ll push hard to clean house in the police department," Rocco says, shooting a pointed look at Anzo, who keeps eating in silence.

I can only guess; if Mark Ferguson is their guy, then this Kellan would be serious trouble.

"Kellan has also good press, most news outlets are very supportive of him," Ennio adds.

Anzo keeps eating.

"Kellan’s distantly related to the Lowens," Eliano inserts himself suddenly.

No one responds. He goes on anyway:

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