CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND FORTY THREE - A NEW THREAT EMERGES

In a corner booth, partially hidden by shadows, sat a man who could only be Vincenzo's contact. He was older than Rebecca had expected, his white hair and lined face speaking to a lifetime of hard-earned wisdom. As they approached, the man's eyes flickered with recognition, settling on Luca with a mix of respect and wariness. "Signor Castelli," the old man said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I never thought I'd see the day when you'd grace our humble village with your presence." Luca slid into the booth across from the man, his movements controlled but betraying an underlying urgency. Rebecca sat beside him, while Vincenzo remained standing, his eyes constantly scanning the room. "You have information about my son," Luca said, cutting straight to the point. It wasn't a question. The old man nodded slowly, his gnarled hands wrapped around a chipped espresso cup. "A boy, yes. He arrived in the village about a week ago, accompanied by a woman. They've been staying at the old mona