MAFIOSO GONE MISSING

[One of the most notorious gangsters stationed in Rome has disappeared. Will the streets stay safe, or is something more sinister brewing?]

Romeo led his younger brother by the hand, walking down the sidewalk at a brisk pace. Antonio struggled to keep up at times, but the entire journey a grin adorned the face of the 9 year old. Eventually, they reached a small park bench, and for a while, the two of them sat, staring at the scenery. Antonio kicked his feet with boredom after a while and eventually asked, "Why are we here?" When Romeo turned to look at him, Antonio didn't recognize that unshed tears glistened in his eyes, or process how melancohly his older brother's face had become.

"I want you to remember something, Tonito. No matter what happens, remind yourself that you are not bound by any rules. If you ever feel trapped, there is always a way out. You either have to find it, or make it, okay?" Romeo blinked, and then scoffed, "Look at me, getting sentimental on you. Anyway... I'm going away for a little while. Don't tell anyone, okay?"

"What? Why?"

"Because I have to. This is my way out. I don't expect you to understand right now, but... stay safe, little brother. Here, I'll walk you back to the house."

THE GALLO FAMILY DEATHS

[Fernando Gallo and Rosa Gallo have both been declared dead after two unrelated incidents. Their deaths were a year and a half apart. All three of their young children have been found and recovered.]

"Mama, I brought you your medicine," Antonio mumbled placidly as he stepped into the room, his eyes locked on the ground. After a second, an empty cup flew by his head.

"Get that away from me! You know I don't want that!" Rosa screamed, her eyes frenzied. Eventually she focused, her gaze locking on her son, and her body slowly relaxed. "Antonio... I'm sorry, I-"

"I know, mama. You get scared. But you're going to get better, okay? Just hang on." Normally this would be the part where he set down the glass and the handful of pills he was carrying and walked out of the door. But before he could leave, his mother grabbed him by the arm, and Antonio stiffened.

"Oh, my son... my poor, sweet, son. You know I'm sorry, right? Mama's sorry... You do so much to take care of me and your sisters. And I always treated you so badly. I regret that the most. Not being there with you all the time... hiring a nanny for all of those years-" she coughed, "Well, when we could afford one. You've become such a strong boy since your father died. You do more for us than he ever could." Only at the mention of her former husband did her expression turn sour. Antonio just smiled, and laughed a little. He kissed Rosa on the head and replied, "I'm doing it for you. And for Adelina and Gaia. Of course I'll be strong if it means you're all okay. Now take your medicine, mama."

As he left, Antonio mulled over the delirous, half-baked apology his mother had made. It was the most geniune thing she had said to him in years, steeped in kindness and pity. A speech like that made him think that maybe she was capable of change. Maybe she would get better. It almost made him regret the poison he had been slipping into her glass. Almost.

BIANCHIS CLAIM RISING STAR

[Young superstar Antonio Gallo came out of nowhere, stealing the heart of the media while simultaniously putting an end to many dreaded criminals. While details of his personal life have mostly been kept secret, Giulia Bianchi recently shared that he is her grandson, claiming him as a member of the superpower driving Rome.]

Despite the implications of this meeting, Antonio didn't feel nervous. He felt irritated, mostly, though his face didn't register it. The fact that his grandmother had waited this long to take action was sickening to him. Because of what? Some grudge she held against his mother? He had suffered for years while his wealthy family watched from the sidelines, and only now did they want him back.

A door creaked open, and an elderly woman walked in. She said nothing, taking a seat across from him. "It has been a long time, Tonito. How have you been?" A part of him wanted to scream not to call him that, but Antonio held his tongue, as he had trained himself to do. "I've been well. I found my calling, as you've no doubt heard."

"Yes, yes. Ultimate Detective. A lofty title. But the children of this family have always been gifted. I've come to expect Ultimate titles from all of your cousins. Fia was recently given hers, and I'm sure your sisters will follow soon." Antonio's smile became just a bit more strained. "They're thirteen. I'm sure they have a bit of time before they have to get into all of this."

His grandmother laughed, and nodded. "Yes, you're right. But let's not stray too far; I'm here to talk about you. I'm sorry about what happened to your mother. She was a good girl once, before she ran off and married that wretched man." Yes, the man he'd lived with for half of his life. "And I wish we had noticed what was happening sooner so we could have taken care of you and the twins." Sure she did. That was why she'd extended a hand to help before this, right? Hah. "But I think we can remedy that now. I would like to formally welcome you back to our family's home. Our resources would be yours to use as you continue to cultivate your fame. Really, I can't see this having any downsides for you. So what do you say, Antonio? Will you come home?"

If it had been only him, he would have said no. He had made it this far by paving his own way. He didn't need some estranged family members to secure his legacy. But when Antonio thought of Adelina and Gaia, and of the life they could have, his heart softened. So he nodded softly and smiled at Giulia. "We would be honored to come back. Thank you, grandmother."