Chapter 8 - Ghosts of the Past
Alessandro drove straight to the upstate compound, the adrenaline slowly fading from his veins.
He found Rosa in the garden, planting bright yellow flowers while Lily played in the green grass nearby.
When Rosa saw him, she stood up, brushing the dirt from her knees with a nervous expression.
Alessandro walked over to her, his face softer than it had been in over two decades.
"It is done," he told her quietly, ensuring his voice carried no pride, only absolute finality.
"Luca will never hurt anyone again, and Vivian's family has been exiled from the city."
Rosa covered her mouth, her eyes filling with thick tears as the heavy burden of fear finally lifted from her shoulders.
"Did he tell you why he killed Miguel?" she asked, her voice breaking on her husband's name.
"Miguel was a hero, Rosa," Alessandro explained, stepping closer to offer her a comforting presence.
"He found out Luca was running illegal weapons and tried to stop him to protect the neighborhood."
Rosa sobbed openly, the closure hitting her like a physical blow to the chest.
Alessandro hesitated for a moment before awkwardly wrapping his arms around her, holding her as she cried.
Lily ran over, tugging on Alessandro’s pant leg with a bright, innocent smile.
"Bad men gone?" she signed rapidly, her small fingers moving with eager curiosity.
Alessandro knelt down in the dirt, ruining his tailored pants, and smiled at the brave little girl.
May you like
"Yes, little one," he signed back perfectly.
"The bad men are gone forever."
