Chapter 9 - THE MORNING SUN
The morning sun broke over the Caruso estate, painting the manicured lawns in soft gold.
I sat in a plush armchair in the sunroom, a heavy white bandage wrapped tightly around my left shoulder. The doctor said the bullet had passed clean through. No major arteries. A few inches lower, and I wouldn't be sitting here.
The mansion was quiet now.
The police had come and gone. Dominic’s lawyers had handled the mess. Sal’s death was officially ruled self-defense during a violent home invasion. Matteo was in federal custody, singing like a bird about Sal’s embezzlement to save himself from a life sentence.
Most importantly, Dominic’s men had found Charles Mercer’s daughter exactly where Matteo said she was. She was safe, currently sleeping in a guest room down the hall.
The door to the sunroom opened softly.
Dominic walked in.
He had changed out of his bloodied suit into a clean, simple white shirt and dark slacks. He looked exhausted, but the heavy, dark shadow that usually haunted his eyes was gone.
He was holding two steaming mugs of coffee.
"I thought I was supposed to serve the coffee," I said softly, managing a small smile.
Dominic walked over and handed me a mug.
"You are officially retired from hospitality," he said, taking a seat on the sofa opposite me.
He took a sip of his coffee, looking out the large bay windows at the gardens.
"I spoke to the lawyers this morning," Dominic said quietly. "The fifty million Sal stole? We recovered the accounts. I've set up a trust in David’s name."
I stared at him, my heart skipping a beat.
"A portion of it goes to Charles Mercer's daughter for her care and education," Dominic continued, his eyes meeting mine. "The rest... goes to Leo. He will never have to worry about medical bills, college, or safety ever again."
Tears pricked the corners of my eyes. "Dominic... that's too much. I can't accept that."
"It’s not a gift, Hannah," he said fiercely. "It’s a debt paid. David bought my life with his own. This is the very least I can do."
Before I could argue, a small blur of motion darted into the room.
"Mommy!"
Leo ran in, wearing a fresh pair of pajamas, holding his beloved wooden toy train. Dominic’s staff had somehow managed to glue the broken pieces back together perfectly overnight.
Leo climbed carefully onto the armrest of my chair, avoiding my injured shoulder, and kissed my cheek.
"Look, Mommy," Leo said, holding up his wrist.
Dangling loosely on his small arm was the heavy gold watch.
I looked at Dominic in surprise.
"I gave it to him," Dominic smiled. "A king's watch belongs to a brave man. And Leo was the bravest man in the house last night."
Leo beamed, puffing his little chest out. He looked at Dominic, his initial fear completely replaced by adoration.
"Can we go see the horses today, Mr. Dom?" Leo asked eagerly.
"Leo," I gently scolded. "Mr. Caruso is very busy."
"Not anymore," Dominic said softly, his eyes locked on mine. The intensity in his gaze made my breath catch. "I've decided to step down from the family business. I'm taking the enterprise entirely legitimate. Just like my father wanted. Just like David wanted."
He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees.
"I’m done with the shadows, Hannah."
He reached across the small space between us and gently took my free hand in his. His thumb brushed softly over my knuckles.
"I want to build something real. Something good," he whispered. "If you'll let me... I'd like to do it with you."
The warmth of his hand against mine chased away the lingering cold of the night before.
I looked at this man. The ruthless boss who had commanded empires, now sitting quietly in the morning sun, asking a widowed mother for a chance at a normal life.
I squeezed his hand back.
"I think," I said, a genuine smile breaking across my face, "I’d like that very much."
Leo, oblivious to the heavy emotional shift, jumped off the armrest and ran toward the door.
"Come on, Mr. Dom! The horses are waiting!"
Dominic laughed. A real, deep, unburdened laugh.
He stood up, still holding my hand.
"We better go," Dominic smiled, looking down at me. "The boss is calling."
I stood up slowly, leaning slightly on his arm. My knee ached, and my shoulder burned, but as we walked out into the bright morning light of the estate, I felt something I hadn't felt in three years.
May you like
I felt safe.
And finally, I felt like I was home.
