among them, one that he had been worried about for some time. He was the newest member of the cell, having been recruited by Broken Tooth after a chance meeting on the street, but he had begun to realize that Uno and many others were more militant in their views. Aldo took a swig of Chianti, hoping to allay his anxiety.
Uno straightened. “Now, I propose that we intensify our efforts. We know that the fascio, the local office of the Fascist party, is under the command of Comandante Spada. I have reason to believe that Spada has decided to retire, and there is talk of a retirement party for him. It is tentatively scheduled to be held at the Bella Donna restaurant around the corner from the Palazzo Braschi headquarters.”
Excitement ripped through the men, and Loud Mouth shouted, “How do you know all of this, Uno? Is the information reliable?”
“Yes, it is,” Uno answered, then frowned. “But I cannot divulge how I have learned it, for your own safety. Now, as I was saying, all of the top party brass will be at the retirement party, presenting us with an opportunity that we must seize. I propose we attack that night and take them all down at once.”
“Bravo!” Loud Mouth cheered, and the others erupted in agreement, a collective release of pressure, like a steam valve.
Aldo didn’t join them, and his gut clenched. Operation First Strike required murder, plain and simple. Murder was a mortal sin. He had never done anything remotely violent. He didn’t want to, and he didn’t know if he could. He took another swig of wine, but it didn’t help.
Uno quieted them, his expression darkening. “I know it seems like a long time from now, but it will take that much to prepare Operation First Strike. There are twenty-one of us, and by then I hope we will grow in number. We are more than up to the challenge, and I will reveal the details of my plan in due course. We will assign tasks, drill with weapons, and rehearse every particular. We will do everything possible to succeed and guard our own safety. Our goal is victory without the loss of even a single man. Do you agree, men?”
“Agree!” Loud Mouth shouted again, and everyone but Aldo joined in.
Uno nodded, smiling. “It gladdens my heart to hear you say so. I fault no man who does not want to go forward. We welcome differing views, unlike our enemies. Men, is there any one who disagrees? If so, please so state, and we will discuss it in a rational manner.”
“We all agree!” Loud Mouth hollered, and the others shouted their agreement and pumped their fists, stirring the air so much that the flames wiggled atop the candles.
Uno raised a finger. “Excellent, but I want to hear from each of you individually. Unanimity is important, for tonight we form a sacred pact. Loud Mouth, do you agree?”
“Yes! I say yes!”
“Good. Bug Eyes?” Uno turned to Bug Eyes, who answered yes, then Uno went around the circle asking each man, and each agreed.
Aldo grew more and more nervous as his turn came closer. Murder was against everything he had been taught, and he feared for his eternal soul. He had been an altar boy, and his brother Emedio was a priest. Aldo believed in his faith with all his heart, and he went to Mass every morning with his mother. He couldn’t imagine killing a human being.
Uno eyed him. “Signor Silenzio? Do you agree?”
Aldo hesitated. “Uno, this is a significant escalation for us, don’t you think?”
“Yes, but do you disagree?”
“Well, uh, I was caught unawares. I’m trying to decide.”
“Kindly tell us your thinking.” Uno smiled, and Aldo became aware that everyone was turning to him, so he suppressed his jitters and spoke his mind.
“Uno, I believe in our cause, but I am a man of faith. Murder is a mortal sin. It’s against the commandment ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ I love God and follow His word.”
Uno blinked, and the men recoiled, frowning.
Loud Mouth hissed, “Coward.”
Uno’s head snapped to Loud Mouth, and he scowled at him. “No name-calling. Let the man speak.”
Loud Mouth scowled back.
“I’m not a coward,” Aldo said, grateful that the leader would defend him. “But distributing pamphlets is one thing, and murder quite another.”
The men stiffened, and Aldo sensed his words were giving them pause.
Uno nodded thoughtfully. “Signor Silenzio, I respect your religious beliefs, as we all do, for we are faithful, too. Yet the Church