Sally Boy Read Online Free PDF

prince?”
    “We have no choice, Mama! Scalise’s a killer
and a thief. How can we stand up to him? Even if we try to hide
Salvatore, that animal still has many friends here. Only God knows
what they would do to us for refusing to honor Scalise’s request.
Even our own friends would turn their backs on us out of fear. He
probably has people watching us right now.”
    “I can’t believe this is happening, Papa.
How is Salvatore going to make such a journey alone? He’s just a
little boy.”
    “Many of our people have traveled to America
alone.” Cogassi removed a handkerchief from his back pocket and
wiped his eyes. “Some of them much younger then Salvatore, but I’ll
see to it that someone responsible on the boat will watch after our
grandson for us. If I can’t find anyone that I trust, then I’ll
demand that the captain himself look after him. And I won’t take no
for an answer! That is the best I can do, Mama.”
    “I know, Papa. I always knew the day would
come when Salvatore would leave us. I just never believed it would
be so soon. We were lucky to have him as long as we did. Marie did
a wonderful job raising him.”
    As he stared out the window into the
distance, tears welled up in Cogassi’s eyes. Mama held the Rosary
around her neck in one hand and crossed herself with the other.
     
    * * * * *
     
CHAPTER THREE
     
    It was a warm spring day and the Palermo
harbor teemed with activity as seafaring vessels navigated the
waterways and channels of the busy port, churning up the gorgeous
blue-green Mediterranean Sea. Tan, sweaty, well-built fishermen
attentively checked to ensure that their rigging was secure before
unloading their bountiful catches. Merchants and old women haggled
with the fish-mongers for the best prices. Cargo transports were
loaded by young stevedores eager to finish their day’s work. Large
shipments of the valuable translucent oil from pressed olives,
along with barrels of the region’s red and white foot-stomped
fermented grapes, were readied for transport. Travelers hurried to
their assigned departure locations while others searched for
arriving family and friends. The sun was bright in the late
afternoon sky, and its rays danced on the surface of the water.
    Carrying her grandson’s small suitcase in
one hand, Mama held Salvatore’s hand firmly in her other for fear
he would bolt. As they made their way to their designated dock, the
boy purposely dragged his feet in hopes that the passenger ship
would sail without him. Mama almost had to pull him along.
“Salvatore, come along, dear. We don’t want to be late. Did you
have a good time yesterday at your going away party?”
    “Yes, Mama.”
    “Did you like all the new clothes we bought
you? And the presents your friends gave you?”
    “Yes, Mama.” Hesitating briefly, Salvatore
cried out, “I don’t want to go to America. I’m afraid.”
    “Salvatore, you have nothing to be afraid
of,” Cogassi stated confidently, as he yet again checked the same
pocket to ensure he had his grandson’s paperwork, passport, and his
ticket for passage. “In fact, we are blessed that Signore Zeoli and
his family will be traveling on the same boat as you. His trip to
America completely slipped my mind with all the excitement from the
letter. We’re very fortunate that the Zeoli’s are visiting
relatives in New York and have consented to watch over you.
Wouldn’t you agree?”
    “Yes, Papa.”
    “You’ve known Signore Zeoli and his family
since you were a baby. You like him?”
    “Yes, Papa.”
    “You trust your Papa to make sure that
you’ll be looked after? Don’t you?”
    “Yes, Papa.”
    “Good! Then there’s nothing to be afraid of.
I’ve known Signore Zeoli my entire life and as far as I’m
concerned, you couldn’t be in better hands.” Cogassi gently cupped
his grandson’s chin in his sizable hand. “Salvatore, make sure you
listen carefully to what Signore Zeoli has to say to you. I’ve had
to entrust my good