Chapter 8 - The Price of Freedom
The fallout was monumental. The federal government used Vincent’s anonymous evidence to launch the largest mafia sweep in East Coast history. The Valenti family was dismantled overnight.
Because Vincent had orchestrated the takedown cleanly through proxies, his own name remained clear of federal indictments. He used his immense wealth to pay off every single one of his remaining loyal men, providing them with enough legitimate capital to retire or start clean businesses.
Vanessa Vale was quietly deported to a non-extradition territory under a different name, broken, penniless, and stripped of her family’s legacy.
Six months after the attack on the mansion, the Gold Coast estate was put up for sale.
On their last night in Chicago, Vincent, Elena, and Lily stood in the empty grand foyer. The medical equipment was gone, the heavy antique furniture packed away into shipping containers.
Lily was running around the empty space, her laughter echoing off the high ceilings.
Vincent looked at Elena. She was wearing a simple sundress, her face relaxed and free of the terror that had shadowed her for years.
"Where to, Don Moretti?" she teased gently, bumping her shoulder against his.
"Don't call me that," Vincent smiled, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. "Just Vincent. And I was thinking somewhere warm. Somewhere where the sun shines all day and the water is blue."
May you like
"Italy?" Elena asked.
"A small villa in Tuscany," Vincent whispered, leaning down to kiss her. This time, there was no rush, no fear, no impending danger. It was a promise of a future.
