Chapter 9%
Done my work, I stood for a moment in front of the church as the mourners dispersed, each returning to their own lives. It felt like twenty years ago, when we had first arrived in Sicily from America. Just like now, we stood together in front of a church.
He had placed my father’s police badge in my hand, swearing to protect me and my father for the rest of his life. He had seemed so sincere back then, his promise filled with the kind of conviction that made you believe it was unbreakable. The dark memories we carried from home seemed to fade under the weight of his determination to build a new life on foreign soil%
As that memory resurfaced, warmth suddenly pressed against my back. The familiar scent of his cologne wrapped around me, dragging up all the memories I had fought so hard to bury.”
Vincenzo’s arms tightened around me like he was trying to fuse me into his very bones–as if letting go would mean losing me forever.%
“Do you remember?” His voice was thick with longing, but underneath it was the raw edge of heartbreak. “This is just like when we first arrived in this town.“\/
His breath hitched. “Please… give me one more chance. Let me make up for all the ways I’ve failed you, Alessandra. I’ll do anything. I’ll give you everything you want–just let me stay with you.“”
A single tear slid down his cheek and fell onto my hand. It burned hot against my skin.%
I inhaled sharply, my chest tightening. “The only thing I want,” I said coldly, “is for you to disappear from my life, Vincenzo.“%
I pulled out of his embrace and shoved him away as hard as I could before slipping into the shifting crowd of Milan’s bustling streets.%
“As you wish.” His voice was quiet but resigned as he watched my back disappear into the crowd, swallowed by the noise and chaos of the city.”
***
In a monastery on the outskirts of Milan, I quietly tended to the last body, my hands steady as I stitched the final wound.”
The whispers of the nuns drifted around me:/
“Have you heard? The youngest godfather in Sicily turned himself in.“%
“He admitted to betraying an undercover officer, deceiving his wife and causing his father–in–law’s death–and his wife’s miscarriage. God have mercy, that devil finally repented! I feel sorry for that poor woman. He put her through hell.”%
My hands stilled for a moment before I reached for my phone. The headline showed Vincenzo being led away in cuffs. His face remained cold and emotionless during the trial and police questioning–his dark eyes like dead water./
“Express delivery for Miss Russo.“%
The mailman’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to see him holding out a thick envelope./
I opened it. Two documents slid into my lap.
The first was a divorce agreement. His signature was scrawled across the bottom corner in sharp, elegant strokes- Vincenzo’s handwriting, as familiar as the touch of his hand./
The second was a legal document of asset transfer./
Vincenzo had signed over his entire criminal empire to me–unconditionally. Every offshore account, every property, every ounce of power he had amassed over the years… now belonged to me.”
A folded piece of parchment slipped from the envelope and fluttered to the floor. I picked it up, recognizing the handwriting instantly:
Dear Sandra,%
This will never be enough to atone for what I’ve done, but please accept it. I swear I’ll disappear from your life. Live freely. Far from the darkness.”
Vincenzo
My lips curled into a faint smile. Finally, he understands./
I tossed the parchment into the fire, watching the flames consume the remnants of our dark past. In the flickering light, I could almost see my father’s relieved smile.
At last, I could pick up my father’s legacy and continue the search for the truth.
And Vincenzo–the once untouchable godfather–would serve out the rest of his days behind bars, paying for the blood on his hands.
(The End)
