“You know I have no say in the matter”, Giovanni, the village chief said.

“I don’t know. I hope you’re not doing this due to bribery”, Leonardo said pointing at the pile of cash on a tray with his eyes.

His boys searched his house and found them hidden in the walls. The chief must have gone through a lot of trouble to hide it.

Giovanni turned his gaze to the tray. “Oh, that. I have business with the other villages and I’m trying to stay safe. You can take them, take it as a welcome gift”, he said, chuckling awkwardly.

Leonardo felt insulted but it was okay, he would...