Chapter 9 - The Last Betrayal Came From the One Person We Trusted Most
We traced the black rose to an old shipping company.
The owner was someone I knew.
My bakery supplier.
Mr. Collins.
I couldn't believe it.
He had sold flour to my family for years.
He admitted everything.
But he wasn't the leader.
He was protecting someone.
My mother.
I stared at her.
She shook her head.
“I had no choice.”
“Who?”
She looked toward the door.
Margaret entered.
I thought she was under arrest.
She wasn't.
She had secretly been working with the FBI.
She had infiltrated the final faction.
The real leader was Daniel's brother, Michael Russo.
He had survived.
And he wanted revenge.
Michael kidnapped my mother.
He demanded the account.
Vincent assembled his men.
I went with him.
The rescue led to the same abandoned warehouse where my father had disappeared.
Inside, we found old evidence.
My father's coat.
His watch.
And his final letter.
I opened it.
Clara,
If you ever read this, know that I never abandoned you.
I loved you more than life.
And one day, you will meet a man who carries more darkness than I ever did.
Do not judge him by the darkness.
Judge him by what he does with it.
My tears fell onto the paper.
Vincent read the letter over my shoulder.
Michael appeared.
He pointed a gun at us.
“Your father ruined everything.”
“No,” I said.
“He chose you.”
“He chose love.”
Michael's face twisted.
Vincent stepped forward.
“You lost.”
Michael fired.
Vincent fired back.
Michael dropped.
Silence followed.
The final war was over.
My mother was safe.
Chicago was safe.
And Vincent Costello was alive.
He turned toward me.
“You all right?”
May you like
I smiled through my tears.
“I am now.”
