Chapter 7 - Unfinished Business
While peace had settled over the estate, the legal storm surrounding the downfall of the crime families raged through the city courts.
Thomas Russo entered Rocco’s home office later that afternoon, placing a thick stack of court transcripts on the desk.
"Valentina’s trial ended today," Thomas reported quietly. "The judge gave her thirty years without the possibility of parole. She will spend the rest of her life in a maximum-security federal facility."
Rocco didn't look up from the blueprints he was reviewing on his desk. "And Castiglione?"
"He suffered a stroke in his holding cell last week," Thomas said. "He won't survive the winter. The Castiglione family has completely disbanded. The remaining captains surrendered their assets to the state."
Rocco nodded slowly. He pushed the blueprints across the desk toward Thomas.
"What are these?" Thomas asked, looking at the architectural drawings.
"I am dismantling the syndicate's former shipping warehouses down by the harbor," Rocco announced. "I'm turning the entire ten-acre property into the Leo & Sophia Children's Foundation. A sanctuary and medical facility for abandoned, abused, and neglected children."
Thomas smiled—a genuine, warm smile that rarely appeared on the veteran consigliere's face. "Your father would be proud, Rocco. He always said wealth meant nothing if it didn't build something that outlived you."
"I spent thirty years protecting a legacy built on fear, Thomas," Rocco said, standing up and looking out the window at the garden where Leo and Sophia were running through the grass, chased playfully by two golden retriever puppies. "I almost lost my blood because I was blind to the snake in my own bed. The Moretti name will no longer be feared in this city. It will be remembered for giving life."
"There is one more matter, Don Rocco," Thomas said carefully. "Elena."
Rocco turned around. "What about her?"
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"She has been hesitant to accept the trust fund you set up for her and Sophia," Thomas explained. "She feels she hasn't earned it. She still insists on trying to clean the kitchen when the other staff aren't looking."
Rocco chuckled softly. "She has the soul of an angel, Thomas. Leave her to me. I will speak to her tonight."
