Chapter 19 - The Price of Penance|
Sixteen months after the trial, Nico Santoro walked out of the federal courthouse under conditional supervision.
He hadn't fled to Sicily. He hadn't staged a dramatic fake death, nor had he attempted a violent takeover of the remnants of the Boston underworld. Instead, he had quietly testified, surrendered every financial record in his possession, protected lower-level dock workers trapped by his family's syndicate, and accepted minor felony charges for financial fraud.
He was far from a free man. He lived under strict travel restrictions, heavy financial monitoring, and continuous court supervision.
One crisp autumn afternoon, Lucia walked through the courtyard of St. Agnes Community Center holding a one-year-old Isabella by the hand. She spotted Nico sitting alone on a wooden bench, wearing a simple wool coat, waiting out his mandatory meeting window.
He looked leaner, quieter, and stripped of his former grandiosity.
Isabella caught sight of him, recognized his face instantly, and let out a squeal of delight, pointing a chubby finger. "Nico!"
Nico looked up, his eyes locking onto Lucia first, silently asking for permission as he always did now.
Lucia gave a single nod.
Nico crouched down as Isabella wobbled over on uncertain legs and threw her arms around his neck. She immediately grabbed his silk tie and attempted to stick it in her mouth.
Nico let out a genuine, booming laugh—a sound Lucia hadn't heard from him in years. It sent a familiar sting through her heart, but the pain no longer burned.
"She’s getting fast," Nico said, looking up at Lucia as he gently rescued his tie from the little girl's grip.
"She runs everywhere now," Lucia said, leaning against the brick pillar beside the bench. "I heard your probation review went well."
"The judge reduced my check-ins to once a month," he admitted. "Your docks look good from the highway."
"They're legitimate docks now, Nico."
"I know." He looked at Isabella, who was now busy trying to unbutton his coat. "I'm not going to ask you to reconsider the divorce, Lucia."
Lucia looked down at him. "Then what are you asking for?"
"To earn a place in her life that never costs you your peace," he answered softly.
May you like
Lucia looked at the autumn sky, taking a long moment before answering. "That will take years, Nico."
"I have time," he said.
