Chapter 10 - The Unbroken Vow
The black limousine drove slowly down the long brick driveway, its tires crunching softly on the fresh snow.
Allessandro stood on the grand steps of his mansion, his dark coat wrapped tight against the winter wind, watching the car shrink into the distance until it turned the corner toward the highway leading to Newport.
Marco stepped up beside him, lighting a cigarette in the freezing air.
"It's quiet without them," Marco remarked, exhaling a cloud of white smoke. "The house feels... different."
"It feels human, Marco," Allessandro said quietly.
"Some of the guys on the Council think you're getting soft, Boss," Marco said with a slight chuckle. "Giving a maid's daughter a estate and a million dollars."
Allessandro turned his head. His eyes flared with that familiar, terrifying intensity that made hardened hitmen shudder.
"Let them think I'm soft," Allessandro said smoothly, his voice cold as ice. "Let anyone try to cross me or touch that child. They will find out exactly what happens when you anger a man who has something pure to fight for."
Marco smiled grimly, nodding. "Understood, Don Romano."
Allessandro turned and walked back inside his grand mansion.
The heavy oak doors closed behind him, shutting out the bitter winter cold. He walked down the quiet, polished hallway toward the dining room.
The morning sun was breaking through the high windows, painting the marble floors in stripes of brilliant gold.
He walked up to the long mahogany table. He looked at the spot where the silver espresso cup sat, and where a little girl with a rag doll had once stood, whispering five words that saved his life.
May you like
Allessandro picked up his fresh cup of coffee, took a long, warm drink, and smiled into the quiet room.
He was alive. He was free. And for the first time in his life, the Don of Federal Hill was at peace.
