Rolf Nagel

The End of the World Mafia

translated from Das Ende der Weltmafia

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Inhaltsverzeichnis

Titel

Foreword

The banker became victim of a sweet intrigue

The Mafia boss worried about his daughter’s future

The intriguer's decision was made

The boss used his contacts in favor of the banker

Everybody enjoyed a first-class education in a Swiss residential school

The lovers moved into the villa in Palermo

The wedding bells rang but not without Don Rosso’s consent

The new member of the family was stunned by the assets

One mistake could lead to a deadly war

Karl intervened in the economy and was praised by Don Rosso

The wedding was a lavish celebration

After a vow of silence, the Mafia boss revealed himself

Although his life was dear to him, Karl had reached the point of no return

The best fish platter couldn’t hold back the assassins

Karl introduced a new surveillance software

The meeting of the international bosses had to be planned

They had to get rid of a turncoat with one move

The right hand was introduced to encryption technology

The city of love got to see a new director

A storm caused the private jet to do a nosedive

In Hong Kong, the Mafia boss met the boss of the Triad clan

The killer was happy that the move in Hong Kong had worked

The agenda for the international meeting of the bosses was set up

The European boss also took over leadership in Italy

Uncertainty arose in the boss about a possible bloody battle

The big debate of the international bosses started

The reports caused a stir in the minds of some of the participants

The overheated tempers were supposed to calm down during the lunch break

The top boss‘ presentation was explosive enough

Doubts about the boss spread and an escalation threatened

Better to die than to retire

On the way to the reorganization there would be many bodies

The deciding vote of the members surprised the attendees

The final meeting led to new surprises

The supremo takes the throne away from the lobbyist

Impressum neobooks

Foreword

 This novel describes the end of the international Mafia in 2020 and the story of a middle-class bank employee who - due to an intrigue - became the right-hand man of the Sicilian Mafia’s supreme boss.

The author worked several decades as top manager in the international world of finance. As CEO of one of the first German risk capital firms that spoke out in favor of companies in the software world, he later gained deep insight into the financial flow of globally active equity investment banks.

It was inevitable and almost compulsory that he met dubious characters during such transactions. It must be said though that it is highly advisable not to get entangled personally in this shadow world.

For several years, the author developed the idea of writing a detective novel about the organization of the international Mafia. Own economic experiences were to contribute to the story. The novel does not lay any claim to scientific research and accuracy, but should reflect the author’s personal impression.

During his own study of books, the author often experienced that he was unable to read a story from start to finish due to lack of time. Each time he started again,

he had to re-read several sections in order to be able to follow the story. This novel serves to counteract this problem and represents light reading making it easier to get back into the story again due to its coherent chapters and paragraphs. Therefore, it is well suited for vacation time or travels.

The author wishes to let economic circumstances slip into the story without demanding economic knowledge from the reader. Although there is by no lack of drama, it is not just another of the numerous bloodthirsty Mafia stories available.

 The novel gives an account of the daily life of the person pulling the strings and provides a glimpse into his future. Mafia players in today’s business world operate much less conspicuously than is generally assumed.

 It cannot be ruled out that some events have actually occurred as described or will develop like this in the future. However, all actions are purely fictional. Similarities with places, activities or people are purely coincidental.

 I hope you enjoy it.

The banker became victim of a sweet intrigue

 Karl Grosser was torn out of his bourgeois existence and advanced to international Mafia boss through an intrigue. He was a tall, handsome man with strong distinctive cheekbones and a high sex appeal. He always laid emphasis on appropriate clothing and lived a well-balanced life. Had his life not been turned upside down in one single weekend, there would actually have been nothing special to report about him.

Like every Sunday, he walked alone along the promenade reflecting on his past life. He was satisfied with himself even though many of his colleagues considered him a bore. At 40, he had made it to a nice condominium and had been employed for many years as head of organization of a private financial institution. What more did he want? Women did not play any major role in his life and in his opinion that was a good thing. After all, didn’t he see enough failed marriages and disastrous love affairs that regularly resulted in chaos?

In order to enjoy the sunset during his walks, he always sat at the river bank on a park bench that he already considered as his own. On this particular day, he also approached "his" park bench that he could see already from a distance of about 300 meters.

However, what was that? This had never happened in all the years. Somebody was sitting on his bench! It looked like a conspiracy, an attack on his person.

As he approached, he noticed the curves of an elegant woman. However, he did not intend to approach this person. This was maybe a woman who he would fall in love with without this being reciprocated. He could not expose himself to such a danger. What should he do? He wondered how he could deal with this surprise. Should he pass by without a glance and forego the delights of the sunset? Alternatively, should he maybe sit down on the park bench beside her? Fully ignoring her concentrated femininity of course.

When he was only a few meters from the park bench, he was forced to make a quick decision. To his own surprise, he addressed the pretty woman saying, “Hallo, may I sit here?"

At that precise moment, he had no idea what that small question would mean for the future of mankind. Cheerfully and with a smile on her red lips, the perky person answered, "With pleasure, sir."

With a short "thank you“ he sat down next to her turning slightly away from her just to be on the safe side. He had been courteous enough in his opinion. He had no intention of continuing the conversation in any way at all. His growing anger also let little room for it, even though she was very pretty.

 They sat several centimeters away from each other on his park bench, legs crossed in the same direction, something every psychology student would probably have interpreted as being a mutual expression of interest. Some time passed by without any communication between the two. Had this woman not launched the next attack, the story could already have ended here.

 The young woman opened her outrageously expensive handbag and pulled out a gold cigarette case from which she took a lady’s cigarette. Then she continued rummaging around in her bag as if she was searching through a suitcase large enough for a journey lasting several weeks. Karl played his part as if he hadn’t noticed what was going on.

 After a while, he heard her say, "Excuse me, sir, do you have a light?" Karl could hardly believe his ears. However, as he was a gentleman, he couldn’t just ignore the question. Yes, he did have a lighter in his pocket. As a non-smoker, he only had it with him for occasions such as these. The elegant piece was not used often, but it had a right to exist for just such situations.

 Without taking a closer look at the feminine curves, he opened his jacket and pulled out a shiny lighter from his inside pocket. He loved this ritual and sometimes wished he were a smoker simply to be able to enjoy this masculine role more often. With an elegant flip of the hand, he opened the lighter cap igniting the flame with practiced fingers.

 The young lady drew closer to the flame puffing clumsily in order to light the cigarette. Even before the cigarette began to glow, the pleasant, sweet fragrance of her perfume reached Karl’s nostrils. He couldn’t help but take note of well-rounded female proportions in her discreet cleavage. He noted how his body flew into unwanted surges of emotion. He felt a mixture of anger and unsuspected longing. His feelings were similar to those of a gladiator in the arena.

 Wallowing in a haze of feelings, he heard the provocative voice of his neighbor once again, "Thank you, my name is Marian." He answered automatically, "Karl, my name is Karl Grosser." "Karl, were you born here?", he heard her ask in almost perfect German. The accent though implied a Romanic native language such as Spanish or Italian. Balancing between intimacy and respect, Marian chose well by using the combination of the formal “you” and first name which is unusual in Germany.

 "Yes, I have spent my whole life in this city." He looked into her beautiful black eyes and noticed her subtly made-up facial features.

Immediately she added, "This really is a beautiful small town with a very special charm. It is probably even more beautiful to experience the city in togetherness. Unfortunately, I am here on my own today."

 Karl wondered what she meant with this foolish talk of togetherness. He doubted that this direct manner corresponded with her natural upbringing. She couldn’t be one of those women professionally committed to prostitution, could she? Nevertheless he replied politely, "I could imagine a beautiful woman like you has a partner at her side." "That is unfortunately not the case, but that may change. What about you, Karl? ", he heard her say. Karl replied, "My work leaves me little time for that, that hasn’t happened yet."

 He rejected the idea that Marian could be a prostitute. Impossible that that kind of woman could display such education and appearance. This was probably a lady from high society.

 They chatted for a while about the city and its attractions when he suddenly heard, "Karl, I would be very happy if you would be my guest for dinner this evening and keep me company. Perhaps you can tell me more about your city? I hope you don’t mind me asking."

 Beguiled and completely unprepared for this offer, Karl replied with a simple "Yes, with pleasure!" After he uttered these words he was surprised at himself and realized that he had unexpectedly agreed to a rendezvous.

 A sudden loud crash rang out and Karl turned around, startled. Also totally horrified, his neighbor looked behind her. There they saw that two cars had collided. Marian's face was now even paler than before. In that moment of shock it had not been possible to distinguish that the loud bang had come from the crash. It sounded rather like an exploding bomb. The resulting shock was greater than the situation was actually worth. Nothing had happened to the passengers. They got out of their vehicles safely and unharmed discussing loudly who the party at fault was. Nevertheless, Marian had gotten such a fright that she became a bit hectic.

 Marian turned back to Karl and said, "Fine, please allow my chauffeur to pick you up at eight o‘clock. Is that okay for you, Karl?"

 She looked at him unrelentingly with a questioning glance. Again, he retorted automatically, "Yes! Yes, of course, with pleasure!"

 Still thinking that stuttering was not really his thing, Karl pulled a private business card out of his jacket and handed it to her without saying a word.

 "I am really pleased, Karl, so we will meet for dinner. Unfortunately, I have to go now." She stood up and walked towards the parking lot. This strength-sapping effort was indeed a bit too much for the inexperienced Marian. She was happy to have dealt with the matter so well.

 From a distance, Karl saw her getting into a white limousine with a man holding the rear door open. Afterwards, the man got in the chauffeur’s seat and started up the engine.

 A huge jolt ran through Karl’s body. What had just happened? He had just been torn out of his unchanging life by a few sentences. In just a few minutes, his evening had been planned without him having had the opportunity to oppose it. It was as if he was in a trance. He had not experienced anything like it in his entire life.

 Should he be pleased? Or worried? Without his cooperation, someone had crept into his life. Moreover, someone from the female species, and he had not even able to use his male hunting instincts. Somewhat flattered he accepted his fate. His inexperience with the opposite sex was clearly to be blamed for the way his life had suddenly changed. What consequences would this have for his future life? It was all just terrible. However, there was no way he would give the date a miss.

 He had to compose himself and develop a plan of action. Looking at his new, luxury watch, he noticed that he had only two hours left.

 That was much too short a time to develop a plan with appropriate countermeasures. And he couldn’t call any of his few friends. They would never have believed his story, even though he was regarded as being absolutely worthy of belief. Therefore, he set off quickly in the direction of his apartment.

 On the first floor he unlocked his door and entered the apartment quickly. After closing the door he was in his most familiar surroundings. Here he felt safe and secure once again. Security - that was his life motto. However, in what unforeseeable adventure had he got himself into?

 Shower and shave, do your hair and find a shirt, tie and a matching suit in a hurry. Pure stress! The phone rang and he raced out of the bathroom to answer the call. "Mother, I am very sorry, I have no time. No, mother, everything is fine! Yeah, sure. Yes, definitely. It’s only I have a date with a lady. What? No, no, no wedding. What put that idea into your head? You will definitely get her to know first, if necessary! I will tell you tomorrow. See you then."

 Dear God, his mother was already thinking about marriage. But that wasn’t something he could think about now.

 He talked to himself, "I’m in a hurry! The clock is ticking!" What can a man do in the remaining hour? Ah! Socks, but where are they? Yes, of course, in the closet! One? But there are always two! A breast pocket handkerchief to match the suit and a matching tie. The sock! Where is that damn sock? One black and one gray.

 This is not something that usually happens to him. He normally always has everything in order. Everything had its place. But what now? Today of all days everything was chaotic. Now the entire apartment seemed to be the epitome of disorder. Shoes! Yes, there! Wonderful. Put them on. There are two of the same, therefore one pair. The best thing is a pair. Stop! First the socks. But still two different ones. Only a cognac could help here. He called himself to order, "Karl, cognac in the afternoon? No, that will not do, that will never do!" So he put the bottle back.

 Karl thought, “I am never going to manage like this. I have to start things systematically - as always. First the underwear, then the socks, then the shirt and finally knot the tie.”

 There were still a whole 30 minutes left. It was an apparently impossible task in this short time. The second sock and it’s exactly the same color, two matching shoes, a pair. Wonderful!

 Karl was actually ready to take part in the Olympics. Now go to the mirror! He knotted his tie skillfully around his neck, in the collar intended for it. Perfect! Next! Pants! A man needs a belt for his pants. Jacket. Ready!

 Awesome! Everything in a record time of just 50 minutes. His inner voice reminded him just in time about flowers. What? That too? Yes, flowers. But first the cufflinks. Where do you get flowers? But a gentleman has to have flowers, at least for a first date. It was clear to him already that from now on everything in his life would be chaos.

 Nevertheless, he still had to go to work as usual the next day. The best thing would be for him to go to a doctor tomorrow to get a sick note. He could not possibly work in the condition he is in at the moment. Until now, he hadn’t been absent one single hour during his entire working life.

 Only 15 minutes left. His world was close to ruins. Only a tsunami could bring him salvation. But this would probably not happen in Germany before 8 o’clock. No use moaning about it.

 He rushed down the stairs. A florist - his rescue! It was as if everyone was rushing to get flowers. He had never seen anything like it. At the same time, he realized that he had probably not entered a flower shop during the last 20 years. Mother always got chocolates, the ones with the liquid centers. He finally made it to the head of the queue. The florist put together the most beautiful bouquet of flowers he had ever seen. He had the feeling that it cost more than the overall costs for the German reunification. Oh dear, he had to pay! His wallet was at home. He had never seen the shop clerk before in his life, yet she said, "No problem. Pay tomorrow, I know you. "

 He raced back to his apartment. Everything was going well, nothing could go wrong anymore. His apartment door bell rang. He jumped to the window. He saw a white limousine on the road, a Rolls Royce. “This is my car for tonight? Middle-class Karl in a Rolls Royce?”, he thought skeptically and hoped no-one from the neighborhood would see him entering the swanky limousine. If that happened, they would think he had won in the lottery.

 He crept quietly down the stairs, opening and closing the front door without making a noise.

 "Mr. Karl Grosser?", he heard the chauffeur in a gray suit ask. At the same time, the chauffeur opened the rear door of the car. Karl looked around to see if anyone in the neighborhood had heard anything and got into the car quickly.

 White leather seats. The vehicle doors closed with the same sound as the armored safe doors in his bank. Was this soft humming the road noise of the limo? A prince could not be rushed through the streets better. Expensive cars like this were not common in Karl’s city. It was just as well that the car windows reflected so that nobody could see him. It would be unthinkable if his colleagues saw him in this limo. The bank would probably drag him in front of the anti-corruption committee and suspend him.

Im only, as an exception, he hadn’t gone for a walk that terrible day, or at least scurried past the park bench. Then he would have been spared all this fuss. Nevertheless, he wanted to meet the requirements of his new position in society.

 Marian had been sitting in the private room of the restaurant for quite a while already thinking about the encounter with Karl that she and her father had been planning meticulously for several weeks. She actually already knew more about Karl than anybody else in his life.

The Mafia boss worried about his daughter’s future

 Together with her father, the daughter had found out about all of Karl’s habits. What shoes he wore on which days, what food he preferred etc. Marion even knew about Karl’s prostitute who he kept very secret and who he visited now and again. Despite this, she had to play her continued role of ignorance. Only by doing this was the success of the activity planned for the coming weeks ensured.

With Marian’s 24th birthday laying ahead, her father Don Serjo Rosso began to think about a future husband for his daughter. The provocative Marian had been receiving numerous advances from quite attractive men since her early youth, however except for a few brief and insignificant affairs these remained unsuccessful.

Don Serjo Rosso, the boss ("capo di tutti capi") of the international Mafia, was known to the public only as a serious and impeccable businessman. Don was not the right term for a boss, more the term "capo". He was given the nickname Don, which was actually only entitled for heads of churches, at an early stage. He liked it and that’s the way it stayed.

The Don had never come to the attention of the legal system. There were no vague speculations anywhere in the world that he ruled over a global Mafia network. In addition to his Mafia organization, Don Rosso had a vast network of interlaced company investments at his disposal. As head of the criminal organization – of the so-called honorable family - he remained unchallenged at the top of the hierarchical structure. The subordinate bosses formed the three ranks, ranks 1-3, behind him.

Just like the members of the first rank, the Don had inherited his position from his father. It was only possible to be included in the organization’s first rank and inner circle through inheritance. If someone died without a male heir, the seat was closed and the tasks were distributed to the others. This security measure ensured that possible betrayers in the inner circle could be ruled out permanently. This had already been the top priority of the forefathers. Don Rosso was only personally known to the members of the inner circle, and he made sure that it stayed like this.

The information exchange in the inner circle took place via so-called messengers. This procedure had been found to be extremely efficient and safe over decades and generations.

Don Rosso had a top-secret plan to reorganize the entire structure of the Mafia by 2020. Nothing should remain the way it was. He had entrusted this long-term project to no-one, not even to his closest confidants and planned a period of seven years for its implementation.

Even though he was already approaching his seventies, Don Rosso was still both physically and mentally fit. With intelligence and foresight, he wanted to take measures relevant for the future of his family members. Although the family members had always kept up to date with the latest technology, it was time to reposition the entire organization.

Don Rosso was a highly educated and intelligent man and he was aware of the fact that only a long-term and sensitive approach would help deal with such an enormous task successfully. No mistakes were allowed. The entire organization was at stake. If the project failed, everything could be wiped out at one time. In addition, he needed an absolutely trustworthy person to implement his plan. It had to be ensured that not a single word would escape the chosen person’s lips.

Also important to him was that the person was able to cope with such a daunting task with great spirit and organizational skills. There was nobody suitable for this purpose in the inner circle. Therefore, an outsider had to be found. But this was no easy feat. In whose mind could Don Rosso look with absolute certainty? Mistakes could destroy the families and drive them to ruin forever. He had also not developed any ideas on how to let his closest confidants in on this project. Would they not support the plan for reasons of risk or maybe even reject the restructuring?

Marian's father developed a plan to find a husband for Marian who at the same time would be the co-designer of the reorganization. If his daughter’s future spouse could also perform the tasks of the realignment, this would be an excellent solution to some of the problems. Of course, Don Rosso had not mentioned all this to his daughter.

Her father's proposal to work together to find her a spouse didn’t appeal to Marian in the least, but with the powers of persuasion, her father was able to convince his daughter to try this idea out. Her father countered Marian's desire to find a suitable life partner by herself with the argument that his action could only strengthen her efforts. After a while he was able to convince his daughter so far that she was at least willing to try it out.

Using a contact man, Don Rosso dispatched scouts all over the world with the task of finding a suitable husband in accordance with his and Marian’s predefined criteria. Apart from the usual requirements, it was also important that the man was intelligent and well-versed in the financial world. In addition, he should have great organizational skills, be totally inconspicuous to the police and extremely reliable.

Father and daughter had looked at countless dossiers and photographs taken by the scouts. Potential candidates weren’t supposed to notice anything about what was going on. Finally, there only a few men shortlisted by Marian and Don Rosso. What remained were an Italian, an American and Karl from Germany. These three candidates were cased again more closely in order to lay out their life stories clearly on the table. Recorded videos of the three gave father and daughter an even better picture and replaced a personal inspection.

The intriguer's decision was made

 Marian and her father decided in favor of Karl. Yes, without noticing what had been happening, Karl was selected as the chosen one. He was the chosen one for the grand overall project.

Although Marian was still a bit queasy at the thought, father and daughter developed a plan for a first meeting between her and Karl. The victim’s regular walks were most suitable and harmless for this purpose. Only the park bench of course came into question as a place of approach.

Should in spite of the dossier and the video shooting the daughter find no liking for Karl during a live encounter, she could withdraw from the situation at any time. The candidate would never know that he had been on the shortlist and about the plan that the father and daughter had come up with.

The meeting on the park bench and the invitation to dinner completed the first steps successfully. Marian had definitely taken a liking to Karl. Moreover, despite her concerns and her bad conscience, she felt attracted to Karl.

As she waited for him in the hotel restaurant she began to have doubts again. Will this daring endeavor really be a success? Should she not tell Karl about it at a later point in time? Tell him that he had become the victim of an intrigue without noticing it? Even worse - that she was main perpetrator in this plan.

So as not to face these unpleasant issues any longer, Marian decided not to give further thought to the matter for the time being. There was not much time for that anyway because, as the chauffeur had informed her by phone, Karl was already in the car on his way to her.

Karl took great pleasure in letting himself be chauffeured through his city. Not having to drive himself was something new for him. He saw things he never experienced when he drove himself. The chauffeur drove him in a quiet and dignified way through the streets of the city arriving at the gates of the excellent hotel just five minutes before the agreed time.

The hotel of course had several stars and other awards and was the temporary luxury home of royalty. A page standing at the entrance dressed in livery and a black top hat opened the car door. Karl’s chauffeur informed him subtly that Karl was a guest of Madame Rosso. He led Karl in a dignified way into the overwhelmingly large lobby where the concierge at the reception desk greeted him with the words, "Madame Rosso is awaiting you, Mr. Grosser, allow me to show you the way."

 This meaningless chatter of the hotel staff was nothing new to Karl. Having attended some bank events, he knew how to behave and move around in such situations.

 You had to react to the hotel employee’s pompous speech that is a remnant of the last century in an assured and sensitive way. These people recognize immediately whether you measure up to the situation or not.

 The consequence of carelessness is that when you are arrogant, you end up being ostracized by the whole hotel. All the more because, from the staff’s point of view, generous tips are not to be expected. In these noble hotels, it is the hotel staff’s compulsory way of thinking that the holy halls should only be entered by the appropriate clientele. Getting out of the ostracism of the hotel staff is usually as an impossible task.

 The hotel concierge moved elegantly through the hotel lobby and led Karl through the restaurant area towards a door marked "Private". When he opened the door, Karl entered a dining room that had the elegance of the '20s. Numerous silver candlesticks with lighted white candles, costly carpets, a great English fireplace and a dining table with seating for twelve gave the room that dignified something. It reminded you of a journey from the past century through to modern times. We are after all living in the year 2013 with internet and 3-D televisions.

 Marian sat at the end of the long table and the concierge announced Karl’s arrival, "Madame, Mr. Grosser." Karl handed Marian the bouquet of flowers and a waiter appeared straight away carrying a large vase made of crystal glass.

 At the same time, Karl noticed a man in a black suit standing at the back of the room. According to his stature and behavior, he could easily recognize him as being a bodyguard. My God, what kind of a theatrical performance will this evening be for Karl?

 The conclusion of an already messed up Sunday?

 "Please sit down, Karl." Again, he noticed Marian’s use of this strange combination of the formal “you” and “first name”. Nevertheless, Karl obeyed without questioning. Before him stood a battery of different wine glasses. The amount of cutlery led to the conclusion that they would probably not just be having a snack. A 6-course menu at least was to be expected. He remembered that cutlery is used from the outside to the inside for the individual courses of a dinner. He could cope with the etiquette of upper society at least to this extent.

 "Did you have a pleasant afternoon?", Marian asked. His answer came quickly, "A charming afternoon." He didn’t tell her that the stress had almost brought him to the brink of collapse.

 One of the elegantly dressed waiters brought them a sherry as an aperitif. He staged this scene solemnly. Then Marian turned to Karl, "I would like to know more about you. What do you do as a profession? "

 He said, "I have been working in an international private bank as head of organization for many years now. The Image Bank AG has its headquarters in the city."

 “Oh, what a coincidence, my father is also a good customer of that bank and has his business accounts there. The manager and he are long-standing friends." Marian play acted skillfully, as if she were amazed at the coincidence. In fact, she, of course, already knew this from the dossier.

 The two of them spent a very harmonious evening together. They enjoyed each course of the menu, even though the food was so clearly arranged on the plate that you actually needed a plan to find it.

 During their amusing conversation, they found out that they have quite a lot in common. Marian was amused by Karl's life story and they both became increasingly closer. This very pretty and elegant woman had found interest in Karl’s person. He had never dreamed before that this could be possible. She could with certainty bewitch every man with her charming smile and well-shaped body. What did this woman see in the rather inconspicuous and unobtrusive Karl?

 Just before 9.30 p.m. Marian said, "Karl, shall we have our espresso in my suite?"

He immediately replied, "That is an excellent idea."

 She stood up and walked to a door at the end of the room, Karl followed her nervously. Behind the wooden door was a lift which led directly to the top floor of the hotel. After leaving the elevator, the bodyguard entered the floor with the sign "Presidential Suite" first, followed by Marian and Karl. The front door of the suite was opened by the bodyguard, but he himself did not enter. After Karl and Marian had entered the room, the bodyguard closed the door from the outside again.

 "Truly beautiful and elegant”, Karl said. He left the question open whether he meant the suite, Marian or both.

 They sat down on the sofa in the living room, a butler entered from an adjoining room and served espresso. Karl was telling his companion some stories about his city when Marian took the plunge and put her arms around Karl. She kissed him deeply and Karl returned the embrace. At this precise moment, they both realized that their evening together was far from its end.

 When Karl woke up the next morning, daylight was trying to squeeze through the thick brocade curtains. Just enough daylight so that he could look at his clock. Was it all a dream? He looked around and watched Marian ecstatically. She was still in a deep sleep, this beautiful and charming woman. He pinched his arm to make sure that this was all not just a beautiful dream.

 Then he looked at the clock and was shocked, it was 10.23 a.m. "Hell!" he yelled. "I have to go to the bank, for heaven's sake." In all the years he had never been late for work. What would Mr. Schneider, his superior, say? Exaggerated thoughts immediately rushed through Karl’s head. Maybe he would get a written warning or maybe even his notice?

 Meanwhile, slowly and gently, Marian was wakening from her sleep. She looked at Karl questioningly, "Karl, what is wrong?"

 "I have to go to the bank straight away, I’m late", he shouted excitedly whirling his shirt around clumsily.

The boss used his contacts in favor of the banker

 Marian kept calm and said, "Oh Karl, I completely forgot. Yesterday I called my father and asked him to phone the executive director of your bank and ask for two days off so that we can get to know each other better. That wasn’t a problem because my father - as I said before - has been friends with the director for many years."

Karl looked at Marian in surprise. "What? How? Your father has discussed me with the director of the bank?" Karl Grosser, a small department head, had never even exchanged a single word with the director. It was quite inconceivable that the director even knew he existed.

His breath caught at the thought that the director himself was approving his vacation. Who was he? He who only knew his next boss, Vice President Schneider, personally? It was nowhere possible that he would have the opportunity of entering the holy corridors of the executive director. Nevertheless, he slowly liked the idea that the executive director was learning about the existence of Karl Grosser.

His thoughts however quickly went in the direction of possible sources of danger. What would happen if he and Marian ever had differences? Which concentrated power would come down on him then? And would he, little Karl, even survive? Two hearts beat in his chest now. It was undoubtedly clear to him that Marian was telling the truth. Her father actually had these contacts, the situation was by no means doubtful, or was it maybe a bit?

"Let's have a quiet breakfast and then you can stop by the bank. Maybe we can take a stroll through the city beforehand? In the afternoon, I am flying to Paris to meet my father, but I will be back in the evening. Karl, I would love to have dinner again with you this evening. The car and chauffeur are of course at your disposal for as long as you like.”, Marian said, in an almost determined voice.

There was no doubt about it. She had fallen head over heels in love with Karl. Although this was something that she had always only ever hoped for, this happy state of affairs had actually happened. Karl also felt the same butterflies in his stomach.

"Good, then I will do my work in the bank and we will meet at the same time, at 8.00 p.m.," Karl said, acting as if this was all natural for him. But it wasn’t. Within only a few hours, his peaceful and always unchanged life was turned completely upside down. Each minute brought a new surprise. He was just about to ask himself again whether he would survive it all without harm. Or should he maybe go and see a doctor as a precaution?

The magnificent hotel breakfast left nothing to be desired. Afterwards, they strolled together through the city center. Karl saw his city with new eyes - never before had he actually registered these outrageously expensive luxury stores. He frequently went past them, but the fact that the prices did not fit with his wallet always caused him to scurry past the shop windows.

Marian enjoyed devoting herself to the beautiful things of life together with her new companion. She was also unconcerned about the price. She was used to this life of luxury and for her this was something natural. The expedition through the city was very harmonious for both of them.

The lovers drove to the airport and Karl said goodbye giving her an intimate kiss before she boarded the private MacDonnell Douglas MD 83 plane. Marian could, of course, hardly wait to tell her father everything in detail and was looking forward to seeing him in Paris.

Karl let himself be driven to the bank by limousine. The car arrived at the grand and impressive main entrance of the bank. The glass building radiated a modern character. He got out of the limousine, his legs shaking. Wondering what would expect him next, he climbed the steps to the entrance hall of the bank and greeted the doorman. He called out, "Hallo, Mr. Grosser, have a good day." On other days, only an unintelligible murmur escaped his mouth. Karl went to the elevator and waited. The doors opened and, as usual, he rode up to the last but one floor. At least he had got up this far, the only floor above his was the executive floor. The elevator doors had hardly opened when one of his colleagues walked past him. This was one of those colleagues who was permanently full of intrigues. "Hello Mr. Grosser, I hope you had a nice day."

Karl was angry. So he also already knew that he had not been in the bank this morning. He walked across the hall area and got to his office where his assistant welcomed him over-friendly and visibly excited, "Mr. Grosser, Mr. Schneider already informed me that you have new tasks and will not be expected at work today or tomorrow."

Karl's thoughts tumbled, "New tasks? Are they going to fire me or am I maybe going to be transferred to the record office? Surely Marian hasn’t lied to me and her father didn’t arrange holiday for me after all!" His stomach slowly started turning and he started to feel ill. He had to clarify this straight away and he rushed out of his office across the hallway into Mr. Schneider’s outer office.

His assistant gave Karl a very warm welcome and congratulated him. Karl thought she wanted to make fun of him and wished the ground would swallow him up.

"Mr. Grosser, I’ve been asked to show you in as soon as you arrive", she said. ”Perfect! That’s a fine mess I’m in, instant dismissal.”, is what went through his head as he entered Mr. Schneider's office. "Ah, Mr. Grosser, what a surprise, you are back already? We didn’t expect you before tomorrow or the day after. Please take a seat. Would you like coffee or tea?" Karl was in despair. His slimy boss, that stinker, was making fun of his humiliating dismissal. But it was too late now, he had to endure it.

"I was a bit surprised when the director informed me personally that you, my dear Mr. Grosser, are now personally responsible for taking care of a major client of the bank. He informed me that you are freed immediately from all other duties and are no longer subject to any working time control.

In addition, your salary has been doubled by the management board and a generous entertainment budget has been set up for you. You must have landed a big contract. Who would have thought it!" As he spoke, Mr. Schneider raised his eyebrows at the same time looking quite astonished.

Karl couldn’t believe his ears at what he was hearing. So he wasn’t being dismissed, he was being promoted! He was in seventh heaven! He could hardly believe his ears, however he wanted to play his new role confidently so that not the slightest doubt could arise. Double the salary, an entertainment budget, exemption from working and attendance times. All that was now Mr. Karl Grosser - a former small head of organization who almost had to kneel down to Mr. Schneider when he wanted to buy a new chair.

He had now become the personal advisor of a major client even though there were noticeably better specialized advisors in the bank and he was actually head of organization and not an advisor. What a rapid rise!

"Then I should get down to work straight away for my client!" said Karl taking polite but firm leave of Mr. Schneider and started to leave the office. "Of course, Mr. Grosser, and if you need anything please call me anytime," Mr. Schneider called as he was leaving. Karl felt intoxicated by what he was hearing. He went down the hall to his office. His assistant was waiting for him saying, "Mr. Grosser, good that you are here! Ms. Rosso is on the line. Should I put her through to your office?" Karl answered while passing by, "Yes, and tea please." "Right away, Mr. Grosser!”

Karl took the receiver of his phone and heard Marian's voice, "Hello my love, I’ve landed already. How are you? I miss you already." "Everything is great, I can hardly describe it, it’s all such a whirl. I just got a raise and I have been released from my normal duties to act as your advisor. Of course, day and night, my love. Marian, I am floating on cloud nine. Best wishes and many thanks to your father even though we have not yet met. I hope to meet him in person soon. Kisses." Karl was totally exuberant.

"I love you too, my dear. It was a beautiful evening and a great night. I wouldn’t have wanted to miss a single second of it. I still have some time till I meet my father and I would like to buy you a small gift. Yes, I will give your regards to my father. See you later and take care of yourself. Kisses!" Karl drank his tea with pleasure recalling the scene in peace. Then he left the bank and approached the chauffeur in the parking lot. "Drive me back to my apartment, please. I would like to change my clothes."

The apartment door closed and Karl sank down on his bed with a deep sigh. Just five minutes rest, just a bit of rest. Some time passed, then he went into the bathroom to finally take a shower and shave. Then he slipped into a new shirt and suit. Whistling, he went to the flower shop to pay his outstanding bill to surprise his beloved again with a colorful bouquet of flowers. “Ah, the gentleman from yesterday! Are you now visiting us every day?", the pretty florist greeted him. In his rush the previous day Karl hadn’t noticed that she was a youthful beauty who, with her long black hair, was easily the center of attention. Karl replied, "I need a colorful bouquet, but one that is slightly larger than yesterday. No, make that double the size." "Of course, sir," said the florist and throwing back her magnificent head of hair in a skilful and sexy way.

He noticed that the young lady was flirting a bit with him. That never used to happen. Maybe love made sexy or it had something to do with fact that he used to be grumpy and rude to everyone. It didn’t displease him that this young woman probably found him attractive. Karl was amazed at how quickly things can change. Yesterday he was still Calamity Jane and today Cinderella.

Marian had arrived in Paris a little earlier than planned and strolled along the famous Champs-Élysées, a magnificent avenue with every luxury store you could think of. The sun shone down warmly on the avenue and the people strolled along happily. Marian had in the meantime bought her darling Karl a fine gold chain with a heart pendant. Her destination was now the exclusive café and restaurant on the corner. There on nice days you could sit outside watching the colorful crowds. Just like her father, she loved to just sit there and let her mind wander. She had a lot of things in common with her father in other respects too.

Everybody enjoyed a first-class education in a Swiss residential school

 Like her father, Marian had spent her youth in an outrageously expensive residential school in Switzerland.

The fathers of the first rank and Don Rosso’s father had been extremely farsighted and had sent their children to this private residential school. Thus, the descendants could spend their youth together and receive an excellent education.

Another reason was that the children were able to establish a firm and trusting friendship and bond with this joint school time. This was also something the fathers wanted. The inner circle should enter a hard and fast trust association and what could be better than starting this when still at school. And this is also what Don Rosso did with his daughter.

The strict residential school was located on a small hill directly on the outskirts of the idyllic Swiss town of Lucerne on the Lake of Lucerne. From the hill, you could look down at the beautiful little town with its river and famous landmark chapel bridge.

In wintertime, you went to the mountains for skiing and in the summer you could swim in the lake. Apart from that, only the children of the wealthiest parents resided in the school, something that also helped the young people establish the best contacts in international and influential society. Nobody at the residential school of course knew about the true background that some of the parents had in the Mafia.

Marian remembered vaguely that there had only been one slip-up when a boy made a comment that there were children there who came from criminal families. This claim couldn’t be proven and Don Rosso and his friends immediately complained to the school management. The boy then had to leave the school and nothing was ever heard of him or his family again. It was never clarified whether the boy’s statement was based on mere supposition or if there were reasonable grounds for suspicion behind it.

The families’ wives and children had never been involved in the affairs of the fathers. They only heard in passing that the fathers belonged to a secret organization. But it was forbidden to talk about it even in the slightest way and nobody ever made the mistake of doing. Even thinking in this direction was absolutely forbidden. Most of them will probably have banned this completely from their minds.

Marian reached the café at the corner and saw Don Rosso with his sunglasses on sitting comfortably in the sun at a table for four. Before him stood a bottle of water and an espresso. His two bodyguards had seated themselves at a table at behind him and were carefully observing the scene.

 Don Rosso still loved his hometown Palermo but in the meantime he was traveling to so many countries that he had dropped the typical habits of a Sicilian. He dressed more like a banker from London and had their middle-class features. Otherwise, he was of a normal build and there was nothing particular eye-catching about his appearance. He had always been a very loving father who found the right balance between the necessary strictness and generous love in the education of his only daughter.

 After the early death of her mother because of an incurable disease, Don Rosso took over also the maternal part and tried to fulfil this role as well as he could. Marian and her father treated each other in a trustful manner and had a strong bond. She only had the best memories of a happy childhood and her father always tried to fulfill every wish for her.

 "Hi daddy," she said to him and kissed him on both cheeks. Her eyes spoke sweet volumes and Don Rosso was actually able to read everything from them.

 "It is good to see you so happy, my daughter," he said, with his distinctive voice, "Yes, I can see everything in your face, but sit down and tell me all the details."

 Marian told him of the encounter with Karl on the park bench. Everything went as planned and in addition, she had fallen head over heels in love with Karl without knowing why. She described everything enthusiastically and in such detail that Don Rosso felt as if he had been there himself.

 As father he was now happy and pleased, especially because the hard work had borne fruit. Now it had to be ensured that Karl became a future player in the organization and everything would be perfect. Things could not have gone better for Don Rosso.

 "Daddy, thank you so much that you interceded at the bank so quickly on Karl’s behalf. He was clearly worried this morning about getting to the bank too late" She looked at her father gratefully and they both smiled about Karl’s flustered state.

 “Of course, my child, that was not a big deal for me and I of course want to see my princess happy. Enjoy a few weeks of vacation with him and then introduce me to the man who wants to take away my daughter."

 With a friendly grin, he asked his daughter what she would like to order.

 "Daddy, we should have some good champagne and drink to that." Don Rosso, who rarely drank alcohol, agreed to this and motioned to one of his guards who was dressed in black. The guard stood up straight away and walked over to a waiter to place the order.

"Where’s your bodyguard?" Don Rosso asked his daughter.

 "Oh daddy!" Marian dragged the two words out like chewing gum. "You always worry about me so lovingly, but there is no reason to do so. Karl accompanied me together with the chauffeur to the airport, well, and here ..."

 She was interrupted by the approaching waiter who skillfully opened the champagne bottle with a pop and filled the glasses.

 "My dear child, you know that these precautions are perfectly appropriate and your Karl is not a trained security guard. Robbery and kidnapping always a topic. You read about it every day in the newspapers. So, please! For the future! Even if Karl is with you, I still want the security guard to be close by. This must be evident even to Karl." Don Rosso looked a bit grim now.

 Neither he nor his daughter had ever been attacked, but in his eyes, the new Russian and Chinese clans were at least as unpredictable as the Sicilian Mafia had been in the early ‘20s.

 "Okay, Daddy, I promise it will never happen again. Are you happy again now?" Marian looked at her father pleadingly like a small, sweet girl.

 "Yes, my little one. Of course I am pleased and I suggest that you introduce the guy to me personally after your wonderful vacation."

 "But Daddy the guy, his name is Karl! Please don’t call him a guy. But are you sure you only want to meet him personally in a few week’s time? You know, I am very certain about him!"

 Don Rosso looked at his daughter a little surprised and replied, "It’s not yet time to introduce Karl to me, and besides, I have urgent business in South America. Therefore we’ll do that in a few week’s time!"

 Marian had learned never to question her father’s words. Whenever he permitted no further responses to his comments, protest was pointless and would certainly not lead to success.

 Like an old married couple they sat together for a while discussing everything possible until the sun set and it became a bit cooler. Don Rosso had his car drive up and brought his daughter to the airport.

 As Marian and Karl sat together in the hotel restaurant at 8 o’clock that evening he told her of his experiences in the bank.

 Marian said gushingly, "My dearest, let us spend a couple of weeks in Palermo, the city of my childhood, I would love to show you the sights. We could stay in our family home and go on excursions on the island. Oh my darling, that would be wonderful."

 At the same time, as a so-called blackmail, Marian gave her lover the little gold chain that she had bought for him earlier in the day in Paris, and said casually, "Your bank has released you from your duties. And in a few week’s time you will get to know my father personally. He is eager to talk to you. Father still has to do some urgent business meetings and will also be coming to Palermo afterwards." She was all smiles and nobody, especially not Karl, could have refused this request. So it was settled.

 After Karl had packed his bags, they flew to Palermo the next day.

The lovers moved into the villa in Palermo

 Karl and Marian drove in a luxurious limousine towards an ornamental iron-barred gate. After the guards had opened the gates, the car drove up the driveway until they arrived at the magnificent entrance. The impressive overall picture of this stylish villa with its green shimmering roof made it look like a colonial house from Wilhelminian times.

A crowd of servants stood in front of the white entrance and Karl felt as if he had been transported 100 years back in time. Yes, time had been forgotten and had come to a standstill here. From the front entrance, facilities such as a pool and patio at the back were not visible. Tall palm trees graced a neatly kept park.

Marian was delighted to show her darling the estate and the countless rooms with their green-mirrored windows.

Then they visited the park, where blooming flowers unfolded in a blaze of color. The sweet scent of flora was beguiling; a very suitable setting for young lovers riding the waves of romance. The scent of flowers filled the whole area including all rooms of the villa day and night.

The whole complex was heavily guarded by armed employees 24 hours a day therefore it was undoubtedly one of the safest places on the planet. The camera systems were camouflaged in such an excellent way that they left no traces in nature.

Enchanted, the two lovers spent their first night together and had a hearty breakfast on the terrace the following morning. As they roamed together through the grounds later on, they romped about and laughed. Karl thought there could be nothing that could harm this happiness.

A while later they went to the pool. Karl took ??a huge leap into the pool. This was his way of showing his courageous virility and water splashed onto the edge of the pool leaving Marian standing there like a drowned rat.

"Oh wait, you are going to pay for that." Marian also let herself fall into the pool in order to duck the rascal’s head under water. Karl wasn’t to be recognized any more, he had found a completely new lease of life and enjoyed his male role willingly.

In the coming weeks, Karl got better acquainted with each corner of the villa and the grounds, but not the secret work area that was hidden behind a sealed and concealed door. He would be allowed to visit these personally at a later point in time.

The loving couple spent a wonderful time going on walks along the beach and visiting the most beautiful places in Palermo. They enjoyed the Sicilian cuisine, the dry red wine and the idyllic surroundings.

However, the happiness of love was overshadowed by a phone call from the university hospital.

 One afternoon when Karl's mobile phone rang, he answered as usual, "Karl Grosser, good day." On the other end of the line a lady said, "University Hospital of Cologne, My name is Westfal. Mr. Grosser, are you the son of Mrs. Silvia Grosser?"

 Concerned Karl replied, "Yes, that’s my mother, what has happened?" He sat down on the chair that Marian had pulled towards him when she noticed by glancing at Karl that something serious was in the air.

 "I’m very sorry, Mr. Grosser, your mother was admitted this afternoon with a weak heart." The woman's voice paused briefly. "Unfortunately, your mother died of heart failure two hours ago." Another pause. "I am very sorry, Mr. Grosser."

 Shocked Karl sank down onto the chair, "How could that happen? Mother died? I’ll come straight away!" He ended the conversation so that he could compose himself and Marian clasped the visibly shocked man in her arms to comfort him.

 On the same day Karl and Marian flew to Cologne. Karl was very sorry that he had not introduced Marian to his mother beforehand. Now it was too late. She would have been so pleased that he had finally found the right woman.

 Marian took care of her beloved touchingly and helped him organize the funeral.

 The funeral was very small-scale. Two days after the funeral, they flew back to Palermo so that Karl could recover from his grief better and was not dwelling on memories.

 It took a few days until the sorrowing man had recovered from his loss. Marian stood by his side constantly during that painful period and this deepened their feelings for each other even more. With Marian’s help, Karl was gradually able to overcome his grief.

 Several weeks passed by. One Monday, Karl said to his sweetheart, "I would like to go into the city on my own today, there is something I would like to buy. I am sure to be back in three or four hours."

 Marian looked at him questioningly, but accepted the comment as there was no explanation forthcoming.

 The staff at the villa and the chauffeur were all highly educated and spoke excellent English, therefore Karl had no communication problems with any of them. The chauffeur drove him to the city and he asked him to take him to a good jeweler.

 The chauffeur stopped at a first-class jeweler and accompanied Karl into the shop. "I would like to purchase an elegant ring with diamonds for a young lady. However, it should be rather unique," Karl told the chauffeur who translated this into Italian for the goldsmith.

 It had got around the city a long time ago already that Karl was living in the Villa Rosso and he was served everywhere kindly and politely. However, the jeweler did not have a ring that met his expectations. The same experience was repeated several times.

 Just as Karl was about to give up, the maestro in the last shop showed him a particularly elegant and very unusual piece. The ring didn’t appear a bit pretentious for a young lady and it was an exclusively crafted masterpiece with a diamond. It fully met his expectations.

 Over the past few days, Karl had determined in his bliss to tackle his next adventure. Back at the Villa Rosso, he said nothing about his plans. When he saw Marian’s questioning eyes he didn’t want to torture her any longer and told her something totally harmless. What he said was, "I needed to think a bit about us and our future. And for that I simply needed some time. Alone! Do you understand? "

 "I hope this means something good", she whispered. She wanted to change the subject quickly and suggested they go to the pool.

 "No, I’d like to go down to the harbor with you and walk around there for a bit", Karl said. A short time later, the two of them were walking along the pier.

 Karl had devised a particularly nice surprise for Marian for the evening and told the butler about his plan. He should prepare the pool, which was not visible from the villa, for a romantic dinner. The domestic staff took care of this task preparing the perfect setting for a unique and romantic experience.

The wedding bells rang but not without Don Rosso’s consent

 In the early evening, Karl took his beloved Marian by the hand and led her through the grounds to the pool. Two musicians with violins joined them. They began to play old love songs giving the evening a charming ambience.

The staff had prepared a dream made up of flowers and lanterns for popular Marian and her companion. The evening was a perfect setting for Karl‘s plans and could not be more romantic. After the meal, the musicians and staff all withdrew quietly.

Karl stood up, took Marian’s hands gently and knelt down gracefully before her. Marian, surprised by all this, caught her breath for a second.

 In a gentle voice he made his speech. "My love, you have shown me the stars in the sky. Within only a few weeks, you tore me out of my lethargic life and brought sunshine into my heart. My happiness is complete. I don’t want to miss you for one second in my life. My darling girl, I want to ask you if you are willing to share your life with me for eternity. Are you, my beloved Marian, willing to be my wife?"

 He pulled the ring out of his pocket and slipped it slowly and gently over her ring finger. She looked at Karl and the tears rolled down her cheeks. She was unable to say a sound for minutes. Her heart was pounding, she was happy that he had fulfilled her deepest dream.

 She gave her lover a long kiss and then whispered in his ear, "Yes, of course. This is my deepest wish, my love, until the end of our days. You make me the happiest woman in the world. Karl, you mean everything to me."

 Both were in seventh heaven. They embraced and caressed each other the whole evening. When it became a little cooler, Karl picked up his bride and carried her in his arms into the house, up into the bedroom. That night was the longest in the villa and would have no end.

 At noon next day they both woke up bleary-eyed. Before going to breakfast, Marian of course wanted to share the news with her father by telephone. She dialed his mobile number.

 "My dear child," said Don Rosso on the phone, "what's wrong so early in the morning?"

 Marian's voice came thick and fast as she told him the good news. Don Rosso sat down and listened attentively to the happy stories.

 "Well, that's great! How wonderful, fantastic, I wish you all the luck and all the best from the bottom of my heart!" Her father's heart beat faster and he was choked and touched. He could barely hold back his tears of joy. "I have two more days here. I can’t come earlier. But pick me up at the airport please, then you can tell me about your happiness in more detail. I will finish my work quickly and earlier than planned and then I will come straight away. After all, I have to meet my future son."

 After he had finished talking, he lingered on the chair for a few minutes more to gather his thoughts. He had not expected this happy news so quickly. He became a little nervous which was extremely rare for him.

 After he had gathered himself a bit more, he felt great pleasure and laughed. Now it was only a question of whether he could integrate Karl into his organization in a clever way. He wanted to resolve this matter as quickly as possible. It was clear to him that he had to approach the matter in a careful and clever way. How would his newly acquired son-in-law react? A lot depended on Karl's reaction.

 Two days later Marian picked her father up from the airport. She had gone there on purpose without her future husband so that she could speak to her father in private.

 "Daddy, I am so happy, so indescribably happy. Karl and I want to get married very soon. Perhaps you will have a grandchild by next year. Oh, Daddy, everything is just wonderful." Marian was all smiles and her father was pleased to see her daughter so happy.

"Slow down, not so fast. We are not at a Formula 1 race, you have still time. Your dear mother and I didn’t marry straight away either. You need to wait a while. You know the family rules! Karl has to officially ask for your hand in marriage. That is the tradition and we don’t want to break it."

 Now everything was going a bit too quickly for Don Rosso and as long as he had no clarity as to whether Karl would join the organization, he wanted to delay giving his consent a bit. But this, of course, he didn’t want to reveal to his happy daughter.

 Time was pressing now for Don Rosso, but he couldn’t and didn’t want to afford a hasty reaction. "Marian, as long as your sweetheart agrees to assist me in my business, I’m happy to see you marry him. After all, he is going to be part of the family soon. I think he can take care of our company interests. What do you think?" Marian agreed to this idea.

 "But please, I want to discuss this in a private conversation with your future husband, so keep quiet about it." Don Rosso looked at his daughter sternly and there was no doubt that his comment was not meant seriously.

 The next day, father, daughter and Karl sat in the park chatting. The future son-in-law had quickly gained the friendship of Don Rosso and they talked to each other like old friends already. They had respect for each other and Don Rosso felt encouraged that his project would be completed soon.

 "Karl, I would like to have a chat with you alone. Would tomorrow be okay for you? In the meantime, Marian can go and do a bit of shopping in the city. I could imagine our conversation from man to man will continue into the evening." Don Rosso looked at Karl in a friendly and questioning manner.

 "Of course, that’s not a problem. What do you think Marian?" This was just a formal question and she agreed, nodding. She preferred to go shopping together with Karl, but she knew she had no right to be consulted when it came to business, just like her mother.

 The next day Don Rosso was up very early and ran back and forth excitedly in the park. He wondered how he should start the conversation with Karl. First, he only wanted to involve him in the legitimate company investments as a controller. The question was whether he would automatically get insight into the network of the Mafia organization while doing this work. Therefore, should he maybe inform Karl about his true identity now already or should he wait?

 He considered the pros and cons and played out all the possible reactions in his head. Outing himself without knowing how Karl would react could quickly backfire.

The engaged couple finally arrived on the terrace. They took breakfast together. Then Karl said goodbye to Marian kissing her deeply. "See you later, my love and leave a few things in the stores for the Sicilians", he said with a mischievous smile.

 "Yes, all the best then, Daddy, all the best. Karl, I will be back in the evening." Marian disappeared in the direction of the parking lot.

 "We have a conference room. Come on, let’s go there, we have a lot to talk about." Don Rosso stood up and slowly walked into the house. In the living room, he opened an armored door which was hidden behind another door and could only be opened with an access code. Behind it, a work area with offices and conference rooms equipped with every comfort opened up in front of Karl.

 “Our predecessors created this work area and held their meetings here. You know, there is nothing worse than being spied on. That’s normal these days.", Don Rosso informed his future son-in-law and led the way through several rooms until he came to a room that was a bit cooler. The room looked odd and a bit depressing, more like a large prison cell.

 "Very depressing", Karl said, looking a bit concerned. "This room is like a Faraday cage, covered with metal foil and completely bug-proof. Nothing, absolutely nothing can get in or out of this room. You can only enter the work area with a special access code and password." Don Rosso offered him a seat.

 "My dear Karl, I am not sure if Marian has already told you about our traditions. It is simply a formality, but we still need to adhere to it. It is common in our circles that a prospective son-in-law asks the father for the hand of his daughter. I expect you to make up for that today. As a future spouse of my only daughter you will play an important role in our family. I would be very pleased if you would take this part in the same sincere and earnest way as my ancestors and I did." Don Rosso looked closely at Karl literally absorbing his emotions. The tension was written on both men's faces.

 Then Karl smiled at him and the noticeable tension faded a bit. Don Rosso made ??himself a bit more comfortable in his large leather chair. There was no doubt that he was the boss, as he had been all his life. His natural behavior alone communicated this automatically to others.

 Karl had crossed his legs and rocked one leg back and forth nervously. He was still very tense and was waiting for what Don Rosso had to tell him.

 "My dear Karl, as you already know, we are quite a wealthy family. We have a variety of interests in renowned companies all around the world. Up till now I have managed everything together with a few confidants." Here Don Rosso paused briefly in order to analyze Karl’s reactions again in detail.

 Then he continued, "I am now getting on in years and it’s all starting to get a bit much for me. Therefore I need a very trustworthy person who will assist me in my duties. However, regardless of how you decide, I must be sure you will treat this totally confidential. You may never tell anyone a single word about this, not even your wife. Karl, this is absolutely essential! It’s a matter of survival! Can I rely on you?" Now, both men looked at each other with serious looks on their faces.

 Karl thought that Don Serjo Rosso might be exaggerating a bit when he said that this was a matter of survival. There was no way he could even guess what bond of secrecy he was being committed to.

 Only a few weeks later would he be able to understand that Don Rosso had spoken true words. Regardless of who it was who violated the codex of confidentiality, regardless of why this betrayal took place and what weight it carried, it always ended with the death sentence for the traitor that was carried out within a short period of time.

 A huge map of the world hung directly behind Don Rosso’s chair. It was packed with needles that had heads of different colors. Focus was on Europe and the United States. The boss saw Karl's confused look when he saw the map and told him that the needles symbolized part of the company investments of the family and the colors emphasized the focal points.

 Karl heard Don Rosso's powerful voice. "So can I be absolutely and irrevocably sure about your loyalty to the family and that, no matter what happens in your future life, you will not pass anything on to others?" Don Rosso looked sternly at Karl with a questioning look on his face.

 "I thank you, dear father-in-law, I assure you of my absolute confidentiality for all time."

 Karl knew that with this sentence he had found exactly the right words that Don Rosso had wanted to hear him say.

The new member of the family was stunned by the assets

 "Alright then. With that, you have become a member of our family and that’s the way it will remain until the end of your life. It is also tradition that you show your respects at family gatherings by kissing my hand. I know, this is actually somewhat out of date, but in Sicily it is still part of the culture. So I need your commitment that you will do this just like the others do." he continued.

"My dear Karl, you are looking at the map of the world, these are our company investments which you are to control and manage in future for the benefit of our family. The whole thing needs to be completely reviewed and restructured. Everything has developed very successfully over the decades, but," Don Rosso cleared his throat, "because of my age, it’s all slowly becoming too much for me. You have to take on this role and safeguard everything for our families."

Thoughts flashed wildly through Karl's mind. There must be a huge fortune behind it all, an incredible fortune! It was only the world‘s finest company names that were noted on the small flags that were attached to the colored needles. He had already believed in the tremendous financial strength of the family, but this was a truly unimaginable capital. Unbelievable that this could be hidden to a large extent from the public.

With his powerful voice Don Rosso explained, "We don’t want to draw any unnecessary attention from the public to us. We have a lot of asset managers who are working for us. Everything is so deeply interlaced that not even the managers and lawyers know all of us as owners. And that is the way it should stay in the future. What you have to do is operate in the shadows. That is why we need confidentiality and the bug-proof room that, apart from you and me, only a few are allowed to enter. Your future wife will never get to see this room."

Now Karl understood the whole situation. It was also clear to him that that it had been easy for Don Rosso to convince the director of his bank to give him time off.

The assurance for confidentiality and the bug-proof room also made ??sense now. Karl had figured it out and he understood what this was all about. He felt a bit dizzy because the huge dimension of the family empire was not something that he had expected.

Don Rosso continued, "We could do politics with these company investments. Yes, we could conquer entire states. We could occupy whole countries with embargoes and delivery blockades thereby influencing local politics decisively. It will be your task to align the new network and monitor our administrators. Is that something you could imagine doing, Karl? Can you handle it?"

Karl replied, "I think so, but this is all happening so fast, I would like to ask for a short break. So I can think the whole thing through again. Just to be sure. Let’s walk through the park a bit to try and relax."

 Karl knew he was prolonging Don Rosso‘s tension thereby torturing him a bit. However, he needed a few minutes to calm his pounding head and gather his thoughts.

 Pensively, they were strolling through the park when suddenly the butler came rushing towards Don Rosso. He whispered something in his ear that didn’t seem to suit Don Rosso.

 "Karl, I must interrupt our conversation briefly. Important business, you know. I will be back in an hour. The car, quick!”

One mistake could lead to a deadly war

 Don Rosso rushed off. This was not inconvenient to Karl - he had a lot to think about.

Francesco welcomed Don Rosso with the usual kiss on the hand as a signal of respect. The two men stood at the edge of the cliffs watching the ocean waves. The men met maybe once a year. Francesco was the only one in the entire network who, apart from the first rank, had personal contact with the boss. He only received special orders from him to eliminate undesired people.

Francesco was a sniper and a true specialist in his field. He never made any mistakes and never left even the slightest traces behind. Moreover, he had no contact with other members of the Mafia.

"The messengers have already sent new to me in advance. How could this happen?", asked the boss, looking angrily at Francesco.

Messengers were the people in the organization that transported coded messages. Each of these messages was re-encrypted. One messenger brought the news, while another brought the encryption method to the destination address. In order to sharpen security, there were intermediate messengers. Neither the destination address nor the sender should be recognizable to the individual recipients at any time.

Just when everything was going so well with his daughter and Karl and Don Rosso was feeling close to his goal, he received a bad message.

"In all the years, this has never happened before. Are you getting too old for the job?" Don Rosso asked with furrowed brow.

Francesco replied sheepishly, "All of a sudden after the shot, the beam of a very low-flying airplane hit me. A landing light and the Chinese looked straight up at me." Francesco paused, before continuing with new strength. "But I am not sure, no, I don’t think they recognized me because my face was covered anyway.” However, Francesco looked somewhat uncertain while giving the explanation.

The boss passed his hands over his face. His features were marked with concern. "If they had caught on to even the slightest thing or become suspicious, war will rage. You know that." "It will all go well. Maybe I should clear off for a year and go to my lonely island", Francesco answered looking at his boss with a questioningly.

 "You can’t, Francesco! Damn it! I will have an urgent task for you soon, and maybe even a second one." Don Rosso was thinking now about a traitor in the network who had been identified and thrown out. He had sent the traitor under a pretext to Africa, to one of the jungles, as he called it.

Without him knowing that he had been discovered. The traitor was being observed continuously and had no opportunity to contact others unnoticed. But it wasn’t the right time to get rid of the devious blabbermouth yet.

 "Francesco, you know the Chinese will move heaven and hell to find out who has killed one of their clan bosses. They know no morals! They shoot first and don’t care how many fall by the wayside. Even I, despite my contacts, could not protect you. I would have to worry about myself and my family." Desperately Don Rosso shook his head and looked at Francesco.

 "It’s all right. It was my mistake and if necessary, I will take the blame and pay for it." Don Rosso saw how worried Francesco was. "First, you should go to Germany for a while, to Dusseldorf. That’s the last place they will look for you, just in case." Don Rosso shook Francesco's hand and set out on his return journey.

 When he got back to the villa very much later than expected Karl looked at him questioningly but Don Rosso only said, "Karl, we need to continue our conversation tomorrow. I am too tired and want to rest a bit." He went into his rooms and was not seen again until the next day.

 Unusually late, Marian's father