(ALICE)
I lean back in my seat, watching the Bernardi couple's son-in-law gesture with his hands. He's talking about family bonds and how he plans to make them all rich. The way his lawyer is smirking as if he's got the deal in the bag makes my smile broaden even more.
I have the contract in my hand and a sheaf of papers that I worked on last night in front of me. The older couple sitting by my side look tense, holding each other's hands for support.
They've closed their restaurant for lunch today. It's not a huge place, but it's quite popular. The two of them came here from Italy after Mr. Bernardi's parents were murdered by the local mafia. They don't want to hand the restaurant over to the son-in-law, but he and their daughter have made things quite difficult for them, so much so that Mr. Bernardi is being forced to consider retirement, which he cannot afford.
