Chapter 5 - The Deal That Changed Chicago
Anthony ran.
He didn’t get far.
Federal agents surrounded the property.
Marco surrendered minutes later.
Elena remained with Daniel while paramedics examined him.
Damian stood near the doorway.
A federal agent approached.
“Damian Rossi?”
“That depends who’s asking.”
Elena groaned.
“Damian.”
“What?”
“Try behaving normally for five minutes.”
“I don’t know what normal looks like.”
The agent almost smiled.
“We’ll need a statement.”
Damian looked at Elena.
“She gives statements.”
Elena stared.
“Excuse me?”
“You’re the professional.”
“You run the organization.”
“Allegedly.”
Daniel laughed from the stretcher.
“I understand why you hit him.”
“I didn’t hit him.”
Damian raised his wrapped wrist.
“She threw me.”
Daniel looked impressed.
“My sister?”
“Your sister.”
“Good.”
Elena rolled her eyes.
The evidence recovered from Anthony’s property was devastating.
Records.
Payoffs.
Blackmail files.
Names of corrupt officials.
Accounts used to move stolen money.
Anthony had spent years building a shadow organization inside Damian’s.
But Daniel had copied everything before being discovered.
That was why they kept him alive.
They needed his encryption keys.
Three days later, Elena sat beside Daniel’s hospital bed.
Damian entered carrying coffee.
Daniel looked at him.
“No.”
Damian stopped.
“No what?”
“You.”
“It’s coffee.”
“You’re looking at my sister.”
Elena covered her face.
“Daniel.”
“What?”
Damian placed the coffee beside her.
“I’m not afraid of you.”
Daniel pointed at his wrist.
“You should be afraid of her.”
Damian looked at Elena.
“I am.”
She smiled despite herself.
Daniel noticed.
“Oh, absolutely not.”
Elena stood.
“Get some sleep.”
“I was imprisoned for three years and somehow this is worse.”
She kissed his forehead.
Outside, Damian walked beside her.
“You smiled.”
“Don’t get excited.”
“You smiled at me.”
“I make mistakes.”
They reached the elevator.
Damian became serious.
“Anthony’s files contain enough evidence to destroy half my organization.”
Elena studied him.
“Are you worried?”
“No.”
“You should be.”
“I’m relieved.”
That surprised her.
Damian continued.
“My father built the Rossi organization when Chicago rewarded men for being monsters. I inherited it.”
“And?”
“And perhaps inheritance isn’t destiny.”
The elevator arrived.
Elena didn’t enter.
“What are you saying?”
“I’m closing the illegal operations.”
She stared.
“You expect me to believe that?”
“No.”
He stepped into the elevator.
“I expect you to watch me do it.”
The doors began closing.
Elena stopped them with her hand.
“Damian.”
“Yes?”
“You don’t become a good man because you make one good decision.”
His expression softened.
“I know.”
“Good.”
She removed her hand.
The doors closed.
May you like
Damian stood alone inside.
Smiling.
