Zeta Giannelli

Acknowledgement

To my partner Alan for his help and patience during the many hours I have spent on my computer, love you.

To my three sons to whom I’m so proud, Tony, Terry and Danny.

To my daughter-in-laws for all the love they show. Lorraine and David thanks for your valued friendship.

And most of all to our grandchildren who are a joy to be around, especially Thomas, who has given me many a helping hand when the time arose.

To the many friends who support me, especially Viv who has spent many hours editing my book. May I write much more? Bless you, all Kath. 

Zeta Giannelli

Kathleen Davies

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen  Chapter Sixteen

CHAPTER ONE

Giovanni observed the magnificent figure of his precious daughter as she appeared from the azure crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean, revealing the beauty of her Momma in so many ways.

Reminiscing his younger days, he combed his fingers through his well-groomed locks, recalling the love and laughter that were shared in this very same place with the woman that stole his heart Oh Katarina how will I bear to be alone! He asked of the heavens, losing you stole a large piece of this heart, he whispered with hands affectionately resting on his chest, now our daughter is about to leave me too."

Giovanni cursed himself for allowing his son so much freedom age was getting the better of him and Anzio would soon want to take over, maybe that was the reason he agreed to allow his dear Daughter to study in England.

That way she would never be aware of the dirty dealings her brother had become involved in times where changing respect for the womenfolk becoming outdated and if he could do anything to prevent it, he would.

Papa, Zeta asked, reaching for the towel to remove the excess moisture from her long ebony curls and kneeling down before the man whom she loved more than life itself, what’s troubling you! Talk to me:  how I possibly can leave content knowing your heart is heavy, she smiled into the golden-rugged feature’s, lines deeply etched around his eyes-eyes that were hazel brown just like her own, surveying the tender emotion’s ebbed on his weary brow.

I’m going to miss you, Giovanni answered, not wishing to add more burdens on his daughter's shoulders and when you return I shall have a Doctor in the family: he rose drawing her close to his open arms now dress please, we have guest arriving shortly for your farewell party tonight.

Zeta strolled linking his arm back to the chateau that predominated above the hillside overlooking the protected marine reserve; she would miss the tranquillity of this small island away from the bustle of Palermo.

Zeta smiled observing her brother, he was waving from the verandas his bodyguards looming in the background; he was a well-respected figure amongst the people on the island. However, his presence was far and few between most of his work transpired in Palermo, though he never enlightened her with the details

Well, if it isn’t my one and only brother Zeta teased linking the men that had dominated her childhood days, always around to make sure she came to no mischief.

I suppose you’re going to say you’ll miss me too, she laughed, Seeing as I have only had the pleasure of your company four times this year. Don’t you dare criticise me: when you’re swanning off to the other side of the world, and Zeta Anzio declared before turning to his bedroom quarters, remember your roots when you’re in Manchester, sometimes their virtues are not as strong as ours! You understand.

I understand, she smiled, trying to reassure her brother there was no call to worry. All the same, she felt apprehensive about being away from home for such a long period in her life, two or maybe three years before she would have the chance to qualify for her MD.

Giovanni was deep in conversation with the Mayor and his council officials when Zeta appeared robed in deep blue velvet, her hair contained in a huge mound of falling curls held in place by a diamond-encrusted tiara that belonged to her mama.

He excused himself making his way to his daughter’s side overcome with deep pride and overpowering emotion. "Powerful Men and their wives whom she had known as Uncle and Aunts since early childhood, some, Papa introduced has distant family all turned out to bid her farewell.

The evening flowed with guests spilling out onto the large balcony; a large banquet garnished the tables surrounding the hall, and light entertainment drifted down to the beach well into the small hours.

Franco watched as she mingled with her guest his heart silently breaking, he would hold back until she had achieved her dreams, though he vowed once she returned, he would no longer hide his feelings.

His Father was Giovanni’s right-hand man and had suspected his son had feelings for Zeta, though he had kept it to himself.

Giovanni was also aware of the way Franco’s eyes never left his daughter and was silently relieved she would have a few years of freedom. When the last of the guest had finally departed, she rested her head on her papa’s shoulder, tired, my princess, he asked, caressing the fallen strands of dark silk, you take yourself off to bed; I’ll have one more drink before the night foul ‘ds.

Many friends and family came down to the harbour the morning of her departure, Papa and Anzio repeating wise cautions, advising her to be level-headed and on the alert always have all your wits about you. She had heard it all. Franco watched from a distance he was unaware her brother had observed him lurking in the background Anzio smiled with approval.

Maria wept embracing the young woman who had been in her care since her Mama died, You make your Papa proud when Graduation complete you come home and find yourself a good Sicilian man to take care of you. No English do you hear!

I here Zeta replied knowing they had only her best interest at heart.

The catamaran departed, leaving the small island for Palermo where she would embark on her long flight to England.

She waved until they were no more than small dots in the distance, her beautiful Island slowly disappearing into the warm Mediterranean.

England 

Zeta became aware of the lush green pastures as the plane descended overlooking Manchester airport, such a glorious sunny day, many buildings appearing below the occasional puffy clouds.

She had heard of the cold, rainy days with nothing but darkness from morning until night, smiling to oneself of the gloom family and friends had tried to describe while attempting to deter her thoughts, before they realised her mind was set on the medical school so far from home.

The trolley piled high with her luggage: she searched the many faces at the terminal hoping to recognise the Aunt she had not seen for almost ten years, it didn’t take long, the smartly dressed female waving her arms ecstatically, calling her name in that undeniable accent.

Zeta! My word I cannot believe it. How you’ve grown a fine young woman you have become, Your Papa was right, I will have to keep a sharp eye on you, Maria declared embracing her niece in a passionate hold. Come along, my dear, your Uncle Tony will be most pleased to have you.

She was certainly impressed as they drove down the tree-lined street, large dwellings on either side of the road: only a few miles from the university her Aunt pointed out not many students were so lucky.

The large detached house almost hidden behind an abundance of blossom trees; Uncle Tony was wiping a speck of dust from the bonnet of the new cream Mini.

Zeta smiled with a knowing glance in her Aunts direction, your Papa’s doing my dear, and he would not have it any other way, Tony dangled the keys with a mischievous grin all yours! Now you’re free to come and go as you please.

She made herself at home trying to familiarise the many rooms on the ground floor, large patio windows opened onto the beautiful garden, flower beds in abundance on either side of the crazy paved path that wormed its way down towards the canal at the edge of the glorious display.

The following week Zeta and her Aunt explored the  vast city; Maria felt a burst of forgotten energy and pride, linking the immaculately dressed young woman as they paraded around the town; exploring the many

Architectural buildings and shops.

They had toured the university grounds; and Zeta had felt a sudden urge to run, wondering if she had prepared herself for the years that lay ahead, her Aunt reassured: pointing out the advantages of working in the Hospitals amongst the many Doctors who had already qualified.

Zeta acknowledged having to admit that was the main reason she had come here in the first place.

My dear brother will be so proud when his Daughter returns with all her degrees, qualified to run her own practice: you have already studied so hard to get your Bachelors, almost twenty-two my word! I was contemplating marriage at your age, how times have changed.

Zeta felt a twinge of sadness, her Aunt and Uncle would have made excellent parent’s given the chance though it wasn’t to be, now here they were almost seventy and still very much in love, only a couple of years older than her Papa. It was a well-known fact; Giovanni was well into his forty’s before he married Katarina though betrothed for many years.

The clouds hung heavy dampening the morning of her first day, she parked, and then made her way to campus not sure in which direction she should go, though many eager and bewildered faces seemed to be in the same predicament.

Postgraduate students this way:  she heard someone call then headed in the same way as the rest of the confused crowd.

Weeks passed by swiftly all, the formality’s over, and it was not long before Zeta became part of the large family of eager graduates thirsty for more knowledge.

Her new friend Laura brightened the day with her cheerful chatter and her ability to wheedle out of any unwelcome situation; she was smart and attractive and turned many a head of the opposite sex, with her shoulder length blonde hair and outgoing personality: though, beneath all that she was as keen to learn as the next graduate was.

Now they all seemed to be going their different ways, heading for the wards where they would spend their working days in different parts of the hospital keen to be part of this medical profession.

Zeta positioned herself at the side of the bed determined not to miss a word of what the Doctor spoke, her English was excellent though the dialect was a different matter.

Smartly dressed in her black striped skirt and cream silk blouse with the white house coat unbuttoned, she waited for the doctor to introduce his patient, charming Character highly amused at the attention that bestowed him- she smiled warmly trying not to distract the doctor as his patient winked, holding back the urge to laugh.

Right Miss Giannelli would you like to do us the honour! Your diagnosis please, Zeta froze:  her diagnosis achieved many times in theory, though never in practice, she suddenly trembled with the knowledge that her patient was very much alive and listening intently to her prognosis. Dr Dwyer smiled, the faces of the other students looking on with concern. Ah come along Missy- I won’t bite," her patient laughed, giving her courage to proceed.

Zeta breathed a sigh of relief when the analysis was concluded, and the Doctor smiled his approval, very confident in herself as they toured the rest of the ward where other colleagues had been placed through the same ordeal.

Zeta exhales noisily making her way to the dining area with Laura; it had been a long morning of many trials and tribulations, coffee was most welcome, they had decided to skip lunch, as the menu didn’t appeal. Laura listened intently as Zeta tried to paint a picture of her life in Sicily, suddenly curious as she mentioned Anzio and his bodyguards.

"Zeta, you make it sound as though your brother is part of the Mafia: Why all the bodyguards if he works for the local government?

Zeta studied Laura’s words, reality suddenly dawning and wondering what her friend would make of her family, never had she been put in such a situation would it make such a big difference? she answered. Our Family as many influential contacts; life in Sicily is very different: without the influence of the Cosay Nostra, people would have no one to guide them. Laura, I believe the best way I can describe my family is they are very powerful businessmen.

Then enough said! Laura announced cheerfully finishing the last of her coffee, boy look at the time.

Having a friend made light of the long days, Laura lived in the seaside resort of Southport, and she talked with pride of her brother who had recently walked away with his MD. Now, taking a long-deserved holiday before starting work in is local practice.

Saturday afternoon soon came around and Zeta waited patiently glancing through the window for the third time, her friend was to spend the night and an evening around town arranged.

Aunt had not seemed very keen on the sudden arrangement wondering what her brother would make of his only daughter roaming the nightlife of Manchester city. Secretly she admired her niece, her robust nature, and the wonderful life that lay before her if she chose her road well.

At last, Laura arrived parking her little Micra on the gravel drive; Zeta greeted her with open arms, helping collect the bags of luggage that her friend thought fit for a one night stop over.

She had left her friend to become acquainted within the privacy of her own room, allowing her to dress for the evening.

Zeta stared at her reflection in the mirror her evening dress seemed oddly out of place, she should have consulted her Aunt, before presuming her attire presentable for an evening in town.

Laura knocked before entering bobbing her head around the door frame, Oh, dear God! she declared you are stunning! But no way can you be seen around town in that gear, Zeta surveyed her friends’ sense of dress before realising the hilarious mistake. I see what you mean, noting the tight fitted pants and loose black top, I’m not sure if I have anything presentable.

Try this Laura decided after rooting through her friend’s wardrobe.

Zeta changed into black pants and soft cream lace top, her ebony curls falling loosely down her back and delightfully more