Chapter 15 - The Warehouse
Vittorio surrendered after a three-hour standoff.
No dramatic gunfight.
No revenge.
No body on concrete.
Rico hated how ordinary the arrest looked on television.
Six months of rage reduced to a man getting into a car.
Paul’s cooperation and Elena’s files supported serious charges tied to the conspiracy and her death.
The legal process would take time.
Rico wanted immediate justice.
Clara found him in Elena’s study.
“You still think power should make things faster.”
“Yes.”
“At least you’re honest.”
He looked at the blue notebook.
“I can close a restaurant in one phone call.”
“I know.”
“I can move fifty trucks by sunrise.”
“Impressive.”
“I can make men who hate me sit at a table.”
“Also impressive.”
“And I can’t make my son sleep through one night.”
“No.”
“That may be the first useful thing you’ve learned.”
Leo’s therapist changed after Clara insisted on someone trained in early childhood trauma and grief.
The new therapist came to the house.
Did not ask Leo what happened.
Clara made him wait anyway.
Healing refused to make a straight line.
Clara stood in the doorway.
“Your dad’s here.”
Rico whispered:
“It’s okay. Go.”
“No.”
She crouched but stayed outside the room.
“Leo, I’m right here. Daddy can sit with you.”
Then crawled across the rug.
He climbed into his father’s lap.
Rico froze.
Clara quietly stepped away.
In the hallway she heard Leo whisper:
May you like
“Daddy stay.”
Then Rico began to cry.
