Sicilian Spring
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Angelina and Cecilia walked toward the cable cars that would lower them to the parking lot. In the distance the sea danced in the moonlight.
“He’s a lovely man with those sad blue eyes, the grey hair along the temples, and suntanned face,” said Cecilia. “You like him don’t you?”
“Yes.”
They were silent. The earlier rain left the air smelling fresh. Their footsteps echoed in the deserted streets.
“Well, what did you talk about?”
“His wife died in a terrible accident, and he’s still grieving. That’s why he’s sad. He doesn’t smile much.”
“He was smiling when he saw you at Sabatino’s. It’d make Gino jealous.” There was an edge to her voice.
“Giovanni’s a boy,” Angelina replied. “Roger has a son and daughter. They’re our age. I trust him. He wants me and papa to help him write a book. But I don’t know if I can do it.”
She explained she’d do research and photography. She told her about Maggie Rutledge, and the novel he hoped to write. “But I’m not sure,” she repeated.
“What’s the problem?”
“How can you write about the history and traditions of Corsorento and Amida and not write of the Families?”
“Did you mention it to him?”
“No. I’m a Sicilian girl. I know better.”
“We’ve got to be careful of writers who come here to write about us,” Cecilia warned.
“I think it’s best to not talk about it,” Angelina said. “But how do you ignore such an important thing?”
“Everybody knows.”
“Yes, but nobody tells. Anyway, I want to help Roger do this project, Cecilia.”
“Why, Angelina? A man you don’t know, a foreigner who’s twice your age.” Cecilia slowed her pace.
“It’s an opportunity, don’t you see?”
Ceclia grabbed Angelina’s arm and faced her. “What I see is a young woman who’s attracted to a rich, handsome American. You feel sorry for him. It’s not like taking care of an abandoned puppy.”
“Okay, I admit it’s exciting. Don’t you see? My life is determined by others, like it’s created by an engineer designing a church. I’ve no control. This is a chance to do something different, something fun, something I know about, even if it’s a short time. What’s the harm?” She pulled her arm from Cecilia’s grip.
“What will Gino think?” Cecilia persisted. “Do you believe he’ll permit you to work for an American?” She shook her head. “Don’t you love Gino?”
“I don’t know. I don’t think I love him. Mama says I’ll grow to love him. I know Gino wants me, at least physically. He says he loves me. I really think he just wants to control me. He wants me to have babies, especially a son, so that he can continue his way of life. I know the Mafia is our way of life, but I think it’s a tradition we can no longer honor.”
“I’m surprised you say this,” Cecilia asserted emphatically. “I’ve never heard you say this before. Does Gino know how you feel?” She shook her head. Her hair swished about her face. She pulled it away from her eyes. “He’s proud, Angelina. He believes it’s the Mafia that’s saved
Cecilia placed her hands upon her hips. “It’s Antonio that makes you talk like this. My mother says Antonio will only hurt your family. If you marry Gino, your family will be protected.” She shook her head again and extended her arms, then dropped them to her sides.
“I want to do something on my own for once in my life. Why don’t you understand this?” Angelina replied. She looked toward the ocean. The air smelled salty.
“What I understand is you’re not being fair to Gino. He’s a good man. He’s always been go
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
When writer Roger Culberson consents to tour Sicily and create a travel guide for a tour company, he believes it is his last opportunity to recover his life. With the tragic death of his wife, he is lost in guilt and remorse.
In the ancient mountain village of Amida, Sicily, he encounters Angelina Molintorie, a teacher half his age. A fire is lit that engulfs them but the moment is fleeting since Roger must move on.
Fatefully they meet again. He learns she is the daughter of a once powerful Aristocrat and is engaged, through a traditional wedding contract, to Gino Aiellio, the son of the local Mafia leader.
In defiance of tradition, her family and Gino’s objection, Angelina agrees to assist Roger by doing research on the sites to be included in Roger’s travel guide. With that decision the harmonious existence of the village is interrupted, and Gino’s ambition to follow in his father’s footsteps and his marriage to Angelina is threatened.
As the relationship develops, their families attempt to dissuade them and Gino’s jealousy turns into vengeance to recover his honor. At the same time Gino begins a plan to obtain control of his father’s Mafia Family, and to also fight the Mafia Commission in Palermo. Roger’s intrusion into their lives results in betrayal, violence and murder.
Gino threatens Angelina with Roger’s death if she does not honor their marriage arrangement. Fearful for Roger’s life Angelina ends the relationship without any explanation to Roger and a wedding date is set to marry Gino. Roger, back in America, recovers his career. And though time passes, he doesn’t give up hope of hearing from Angelina.
About the Author
David Wilcox is a retired banker, author, and travel writer. He has traveled extensively, and his travel articles are published locally. In Sicilian Spring, his second novel, he melds a stirring love story into a travelogue and suspense/thriller. Set primarily in Sicily he captures the beauty, contradictions, tragedy, and historic strength of its people and presents the role and influence of the Cosa Nostra. The story deals with the conflict of culture.